Normans

NORMAN HISTORY

During the early 10th century, the incursions of Vikings into the rivers of France evolved into more permanent encampments. The Duchy of Normandy in north France, was established in 911 by the treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte between a Norse chieftain named Rollo and the Frankish King Charles The Simple.

Rollo was said to have been so big that no horse could be found to carry him.

Statue of Rollo in Rouen. By Frédéric BISSON from Rouen, France - Wikipedia

The Normans successfully established a foothold in Southern Italy in 1017, after the Lombards there had asked for their help in fighting against the Byzantine Empire. The Normans liked it so much they invaded it themselves.

In 1066 the Normans, under the leadership of William The Conqueror, invaded England in Viking longships with fortified platforms for archers.

The invasion culminated in the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. William's claim to the English throne derived from his familial relationship with the childless Anglo-Saxon King Edward the Confessor, who had died nine months earlier and was succeeded by his brother-in-law Harold Godwinson.

The invading Normans brought with them to England pre-built wooden castles with planks already cut to size. Within 40 years of the Norman Conquest, around 1,000 castles had been built.

The motte and bailey defences of Launceston Castle in England. By Chris Shaw, Wikipedia

William the Conqueror was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on December 25, 1066, although he still faced rebellions over the following years and was not secure on his throne until after 1072.

Coronation of William the Conqueror.

The Norman conquest of England put an end to 500 years of Anglo-Saxon rule. Within 20 years of the conquest, the entire English aristocracy had lost its land and wealth.

NORMAN LIFE

The Norman lord wore his hair in an extraordinary style, the whole of the back of his head shaved bare, but with hair left long over the forehead and front.

After the Norman Conquest of the still long-haired English, continental fashion changed, requiring beards and long curled hair, filled out with false hair.

Norman clothing was simple, often made from wool, which had been spun into thread by the women and children, and sometimes woven locally. Some cloth and leather though, would probably have to be bought at the market in the nearest town.

Victorian interpretation of the Normans' national dress, 1000–1100

The Normans were rather partial to rabbit pie and stew.

Britain was rabbit free until William Of Conqueror bought with him a colony of bunnies.

After the Norman Conquest of England, nobles referred to the meat they ate in French, but the peasants who raised animals for meat referred to them in Anglo-Saxon. This is why modern English has words such as beef and pork for meat, but cow and pig for the animals it comes from.

Source Daily Express