GCSE History: The Norman Conquest Guide

The succession crisis

When Edward the Confessor died in January 1066 without a clear heir, three men claimed the English throne: Harold Godwinson (crowned king), Harald Hardrada of Norway, and William, Duke of Normandy.

The battles of 1066

Harold defeated Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in September 1066, but had to march his exhausted army south to face William at the Battle of Hastings, where Harold was killed and William's forces won.

Securing control

William, now king, faced rebellions across England in the years after 1066. He responded with the "Harrying of the North" (1069-70), devastating the region to crush resistance, and built castles across the country to enforce control.

The feudal system and Domesday Book

William introduced a feudal system, granting land to loyal Norman lords in exchange for military service. The Domesday Book (1086) recorded landholdings across England, helping William tax and govern his new kingdom effectively.

Common mistakes

• Forgetting Harold fought two major battles in quick succession, not just Hastings.
• Assuming William's victory at Hastings alone secured his control of England.
• Mixing up the purpose of the Domesday Book with a simple population census.