"Campaigns of the Norman Conquest" von Bennett, Mathew

Essential Histories 12
Author: Mathew Bennett

This book provides a full introduction to the Norman Conquest, an event which resulted in dramatic changes to the nation's aristocracy, church and administration. It brought a new language and cultural influences and revolutionised military architecture with the introduction of the castle. This profound impact was not brought about as the result of a single battle and it took a five-year war for William to establish control over his new kingdom. The campaigns are studied in detail, with maps showing how William's energy and strategic intelligence enabled him to defeat his formidable opponents and create a new order.

Contents:

- Introduction
- Chronology
- Background to war: Danes, Normans and the English royal succession
- Warring sides: Harold and William - the war lords
- Outbreak: Preparations and motivations
- The fighting: Two invasions, one conquest
- Portrait of a soldier: Viking legend, English patriot, and two Norman earls
- The world around war: Politics, strategy, the Church and administration
- Portrait of a civilian: Three bishops and a queen
- How the war ended: The Conqueror's reign
- Conclusion and consequences: The English experience - law, culture and society

Osprey
96 pages,
Paperback,
2001