The Normans. The Normans came to govern England following one of the most famous battles in English history: the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Four Norman kings presided over a period of great change and development for the country. The Domesday Book, a great record of English land-holding, was published; the forests were extended; the Exchequer was founded; and a start was made on the Tower of London.
In religious affairs, the Gregorian reform movement gathered pace and forced concessions, while the machinery of government developed to support the country while Henry was fighting abroad. Meanwhile, the social landscape altered dramatically, as the Norman aristocracy came to prominence. Many of the nobles struggled to keep a hold on their interests in both Normandy and England, as divided rule meant the threat of conflict. This was the case when William the Conqueror died.
The question of the succession continued to weigh heavily over the remainder of the period. The Stormin' Normans (Horrible Histories): Amazon.co.uk: Terry Deary: Books. Invasion of England, 1066. Invasion of England, 1066 The Battle of Hastings King Edward of England (called "The Confessor" because of his construction of Westminster Abbey) died on January 5, 1066, after a reign of 23 years.
Leaving no heirs, Edward's passing ignited a three-way rivalry for the crown that culminated in the Battle of Hastings and the destruction of the Anglo-Saxon rule of England. The leading pretender was Harold Godwinson, the second most powerful man in England and an advisor to Edward. Harold and Edward became brothers-in-law when the king married Harold's sister. Across the English Channel, William, Duke of Normandy, also laid claim to the English throne. The third rival for the throne was Harald Hardrada, King of Norway.
Hardrada of Norway struck first. Construction of the Norman invasion fleet had been completed in July and all was ready for the Channel crossing. Harold rushed his army south and planted his battle standards atop a knoll some five miles from Hastings. History - British History in depth: 1066. Horrible Histories Norman Family Tree Song. The Image of Aristocracy: In Britain, 1000-1300 - David Crouch. Monastic and Religious Orders in Britain, 1000-1300 - Janet Burton.