The Norman Conquest, 1065-1087 Revision Notes

Political and Administrative Structure

England on the eve of the Norman Conquest was a strong, centralised kingdom under an Anglo-Saxon monarch, notably Edward the Confessor. The country was divided into large administrative units called earldoms, ruled by powerful earls. Below these were shires, and then hundreds, each with local courts and systems for maintaining law and order. The Witan, a council of leading nobles and churchmen, advised the king and played a role in electing new monarchs, especially in times of succession crisis. This structure provided a degree of stability and effective governance, allowing for taxation and military organisation.

Social and Economic Landscape

Anglo-Saxon society was hierarchical. At the top was the king, followed by powerful earls who controlled vast territories. Beneath them were thegns, local lords who held land in return for military service and loyalty to the king. The majority of the population were ceorls, free peasants who owned small plots of land but owed service to their lords. At the bottom were slaves. The economy was predominantly agricultural, with fertile lands supporting a large population. Towns were developing as centres of trade, and a sophisticated currency system facilitated commerce. England was a relatively wealthy nation by European standards.

Military Organisation

The Anglo-Saxon army, known as the Fyrd, was primarily made up of two types of soldiers. The 'select Fyrd' consisted of well-equipped, professional soldiers and thegns, who were expected to serve the king. The 'general Fyrd' was composed of ordinary peasants who could be called upon for local defence, though they were less well-equipped and trained. Loyalty was key, and the system relied on the earls and thegns bringing their retinues to fight for the king. Naval power was also important for coastal defence against Viking raids.

The Succession Crisis of 1066

Edward the Confessor died childless in January 1066, triggering a major succession crisis. Several powerful claimants emerged: Harold Godwinson, the most powerful English earl; William, Duke of Normandy, who claimed Edward had promised him the throne; and Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway, who had a claim through earlier Viking treaties. This contested succession led directly to the invasions of 1066, culminating in the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest, fundamentally changing the course of English history.