The Norman Conquest: a Very Short Introduction

The Norman Conquest in 1066 was the last time England was successfully invaded, and was one of the most profound turning points in English history, cataclysmically transforming a disparate collection of small nations into a European state. But what actually happened? How was the invasion viewed by those who witnessed it? And how has its legacy been seen by generations since? This fascinating Very Short Introduction reveals how dramatically English life was changed, from itslanguage to its law, and focuses on the differing ways the conquest has been viewed by historians and in folklore ever sin.;Contents; Preface; List of illustrations; Introduction; 1 William's coronation; 2 Papal intervention and the implementation of the Conquest; 3 The bonds of tenure, ecclesiastical and secular; 4 The Romanesque rebuilding of England; Conclusion; References and further reading; Chronology; Genealogical tables; Index.