Battle East Sussex Photo Tour

1066: THE DATE THAT WOULD CHANGE BRITAIN FOREVER

Duke William of Normandy left St.Valery in Normandy with about 600 ships and 10-12,000 men on Sept 27th in 1066--Reigned 1066-1087.

Duke of Normandy 1035-1087. Invaded England defeated and killed his rival Harold at the Battle of Hastings and became King.

The Norman conquest of England was completed by 1072 aided by the establishment of feudalism under which his followers were granted land in return for pledges of service and loyalty.

As King William was noted for his efficient if harsh rule. His administration relied upon Norman and other foreign personnel especially Lanfranc Archbishop of Canterbury. In 1085 started Doomsday Book.

Bayeux Tapestry, so called because it was originally found in the cathedral of Bayeux, in the public library of which town it is still preserved. It is supposed to have been worked by Matilda, queen of William the Conqueror. It is 214 ft. in length and 20 in. in breadth, and is divided into seventy-two compartments, the subject of each scene being indicated by a Latin inscription. These scenes give a pictorial history of the invasion and conquest of England by the Normans, beginning with Harold's visit to the Norman court, and ending with his death at Hastings.

 

England Photo Index - Main UK Photo Index

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William, King of England There were four kings of England named William. William I was known as William the Conqueror, and he is considered the first king of modern England. He ruled from 1066 to 1087. The English king called Edward the Confessor died. Two men claimed the right to be the next king of England. One was a Saxon, Harold; the other was William, duke of the French territory of Normandy. In 1066 William invaded England with a Norman army and defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings. His victory is called the Norman Conquest. William made great changes in English life. Before his time the land was ruled by earls, and most of the working people were little more than slaves. William made the king the real ruler of the country and brought order and peaceful government to England. William 11 was the son of William the Conqueror. He was called William Rufus (which means William the Red) because of his ruddy complexion. He was born about 1056. William Rufus fought constant wars to increase his territories. In I 100 he was killed by an arrow while hunting