The Normans: Who Were They?
The Normans were fierce warriors from Normandy, a region in France. They were originally Vikings, but over time, they settled in France and became powerful rulers. In 1066, the Normans invaded England and changed history forever!
The Battle of Hastings (1066)
The most famous event in Norman history is the Battle of Hastings. After King Edward the Confessor died, there was a battle over who should be the next King of England.
Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England.
William, Duke of Normandy, thought he should be king instead!
On 14th October 1066, the two armies fought at Hastings.
Harold was killed (legend says he was shot in the eye with an arrow!), and William became King William I – also known as William the Conqueror.
Fun Fact: The story of the battle is told in the Bayeux Tapestry, a 70-metre-long embroidery!
Norman Castles 
After the Normans took control of England, they built hundreds of castles to protect their land.
The first castles were Motte and Bailey Castles, made of wood. Later, they built stone castles, like the Tower of London. Castles had moats, drawbridges, and high walls to keep enemies out!
Did You Know? Some Norman castles are still standing today, like Windsor Castle, which is used by the Royal Family!
What Did the Normans Eat? 
The Normans loved feasts and ate a lot of meat, bread, and cheese. Rich people ate venison (deer), roasted pig, and fresh fish, while poor people ate vegetable stew and brown bread.
Fun Fact: The Normans brought French words into the English language – that’s why we call cow meat “beef” (from the French word “boeuf”)!
What Did They Wear? 
The Normans wore clothes made from wool and linen.
Men wore tunics with belts and long socks.
Women wore long dresses with head coverings. Knights wore chainmail armour and carried shields with family crests.
Did You Know? Norman helmets had a nose guard to protect their faces in battle!
Norman Knights and the Feudal System 
The Normans introduced the Feudal System, a way of organising society.
The King gave land to his Lords. Lords gave land to Knights, who fought for them. Peasants (farmers) worked the land in return for protection.
Did You Know? Knights trained from a young age and followed a code of chivalry – they had to be brave, loyal, and polite!
The Domesday Book (1086) 
William the Conqueror wanted to know who owned what in England, so he ordered a big survey called the Domesday Book. It listed towns, villages, animals, and farms all over the country!
Fun Fact: The Domesday Book is still kept in The National Archives today!
Conclusion
The Normans changed England forever! They brought castles, new laws, knights, and even new words to the English language. Their influence is still all around us today!
