The Norman Conquest

1
The Norman Conquest !

• Key Question
• Why did William the Conqueror invade England?

2
A problem for the King!
In 1064 King Edward the confessor of England was
dying. He had no Children to be King after
him .
King Edward the Confessor
3
Harold makes a promise !
Edward sent Earl Harold Godwinson to
Normandy . Harold swore an oath in Church to
Duke William of Normandy that he would be the
next King.
Harolds very serious promise.
4
Edward the Confessor dies !
In January 1066 Edward died. BUT. Earl Harold
broke his oath and was chosen to be the next King
by the Witan of England. Duke William was furious
and prepared to invade England! But there was
another surprise...
Harold is Crowned King
5
3 candidates for King!
6
The King of Norway invades !
King Harald Hadrada of Norway invaded. King
Harold of England killed the King of Norway
at the battle of Stamford Bridge! But King
Harold of England was not safe yet..
Harold and Harald do battle!
7
14th October 1066
Just as King Harold thought his troubles were
over, Duke William of Normandy landed his army in
England The two sides fought the Battle of
Hastings on October 14th 1066. The winner
would be King of England !!!!
8
Soldiers at the Battle of Hastings !
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE DIFFERENCE ?
V
A Saxon soldier
A Norman Knight
Who do you think would win and why ?
9
King Harold is killed!!!
The battle began at 9am Many soldiers
died Duke William played a trick on the
English The English fell for it Harold was
killed by an arrow in the eye.
William became conqueror and King of England.
10
Task

• You must write a speech claiming that YOU are the
  rightful heir to the English throne.
• You must all write a speech and be either -
• Earl Harold Godwinson.
• Duke William of Normandy.
• King Harold Hadrada of Norway.