Norman period in England

The Norman period in England began in 1066 with the Norman Conquest, when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings. This era brought profound political, social, and cultural change. The Normans introduced a new ruling elite, reshaped land ownership, and established a strong feudal system. Stone castles, cathedrals, and monasteries transformed the English landscape, symbolising Norman power and authority. The period also influenced language, law, and administration, blending Norman French traditions with existing Anglo-Saxon customs. The Domesday Book, commissioned in 1086, recorded land and resources across England. The Norman period laid the foundations of medieval England and had a lasting impact on its identity, governance, and architecture.