Norman Invasion and Its Aftermath

Pre-Norman Invasion

• Anglo-Saxon aristocracy
• Anglo-Saxon (Old English) main language
• Oriented toward Scandinavia
• Tribal society & loyalties
• Heroic code
• Women - Strong culturally

Post-Norman Invasion

• Norman-French aristocracy (10,000 nobles)
• Norman-French supplants Old English
• Oriented toward the Continent
• Strong centralized gov't (feudalism)
• Doomsday Book
• Chivalric Code
• Women - celebrated, but socially weak 

Timeline

1066: Death of Edward the confessor; Harold Godwinson made king (Harold II)
1066: Harold II defeats Harald Hardrada of Norway at Stamford Bridge (Yorkshire) (25 Sept)
1066: William of Normandy defeats Harold II at Hastings (14 October)
1066-1071: William suppresses Anglo-Saxon resistance to his rule
1086: Doomsday Book compiled
1087: William dies while campaigning in France

1095-1204: Crusades I-IV
          I: 1095-1099
          II: 1147-1149
          III: 1189-1192
          IV: 1202-1204

1337-1453: Hundred Years' War between England and France
1343: Chaucer born (dies 1400)
1340: Black death in Europe; at height in England 1348-1349
1362: English restored as language of the law
1375: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight composed
1380-1390: Canterbury Tales composed
1385: English again the language of education

1425-1450: Letters and records mostly written in English
1450: Gutenberg invents movable type
1476: Printing in England (Caxton)