The Norman Conquest

The Norman Conquest refers to the invasion of England in 1066 by William, Duke of Normandy, who became known as William the Conqueror. After defeating King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings, William established Norman rule over England. This event drastically changed the country's culture, social structure, and language, as the Normans introduced feudalism and influenced English with French vocabulary. The Conquest marked the beginning of a new era in English history, resulting in a blend of Anglo-Saxon and Norman traditions that shaped England's future governance and identity.