Norman England

Join us as we journey through the transformative century that began with the Norman Conquest of 1066 and concluded with the rise of the Plantagenets in 1154. This era saw England reshaped by conquest, rebellion, and dynastic intrigue, as Norman rulers consolidated their power and laid the groundwork for the medieval English monarchy. From the reign of William the Conqueror to the troubled legacy of his sons and the tumultuous civil war known as The Anarchy, we’ll explore how this period forged new political institutions, social hierarchies, and legal traditions that would shape England for centuries.

Topics for Discussion

• The Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings (1066)
• William the Conqueror: Rule and Repression
• The Harrying of the North and Norman Control
• Feudalism and Castle Building in England
• The Domesday Book and Governance
• William II (Rufus) and the Challenge of Succession
• Henry I: Administrative Reforms and the Charter of Liberties
• The White Ship Disaster and the Succession Crisis
• The Anarchy: Stephen vs. Matilda
• The Rise of the Plantagenets: Henry II and a New Dynasty