As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Home / Historical Periods / High Medieval / Norman Conquest of England

Phase

Norman Conquest of England

1066–1071 CE

The Norman Conquest began with the succession crisis after Edward the Confessor’s death in 1066. Harold Godwinson defeated Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge, then marched south to face William of Normandy at Hastings. William’s victory led to a long process of conquest, castle-building, land redistribution, rebellion suppression, and cultural change.

The conquest matters because it remade England’s aristocracy, language, law, landholding, architecture, and relationship with continental Europe. It was not just one battle; it was a violent restructuring of power. The Norman ruling class imposed new military and administrative systems while adapting to an older English kingdom.

The Norman Conquest appears in novels by authors such as Julian Rathbone, Elizabeth Chadwick, and Georgette Heyer, and it forms the background to many books about post-Conquest England. It suits stories about dispossession, collaboration, castle-building, divided identity, Norman ambition, and Saxon resistance.

Related people for Norman Conquest of England

David I of Scotland1084–1153 Edith of Wessexdied 1075 Edward the Confessordied 1066 Empress Matilda1102–1167 Geoffrey de Mandeville, 1st Earl of Essex1092–1144 Godwin, Earl of Wessexdied 1053 Gruffudd ap Cynan1055–1137 Harald III of Norway1015–1066 Harold Godwinson1022–1066 Henry I of England1068–1135 Henry of Blois1096–1171 John Marshal1105–1165 Josce de Dinan1116–1167 Matilda of Flanders1031–1083 Owain Gwynedd1100–1170 Raheredied 1144 Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester1090–1147 Robert Curthose1054–1134 Robert de Beaumont, 2nd Earl of Leicester1104–1168 Robert of Jumiègesc. 11th century–1055 Robert Pennantdied 1168 Roger de Clintonc. 11th century–1148 Stephen, King of England1095–1154 William FitzAlan, Lord of Oswestry1105–1160 William II of England1060–1100 William the Conqueror1028–1087

Series

Series about Norman Conquest of England (3 series)

Aelfraed in Order

by Griff Hosker 3 books 4.4

The Aelfraed trilogy follows Saxon survivors through the violent aftermath of 1066. Beginning before the Battle of Hastings and continuing through resistance, outlawry and exile, the series uses the collapse of Harold Godwinson’s England to follow housecarls and rebels forced to decide whether to keep fighting, submit to…

Conquest in Order

by Griff Hosker 4 books 4.6

Conquest follows England after the Norman victory of 1066. The books use Hastings, rebellion, occupation and the consolidation of William the Conqueror’s rule to show how conquest continues long after a single battle is won. The series is strongest as a post-Conquest saga about dispossession, resistance, new lordship…

Road to Hastings in Order

by K. M. Ashman 3 books 4.5

Road to Hastings traces the political rise of the Godwin family and the decisions that produced the English succession crisis of 1066. Beginning with Edith of Wessex's marriage to Edward the Confessor, the trilogy follows Earl Godwin and Harold Godwinson through exile, restoration, diplomacy and the growing influence…

Books

30 Best Novels About the Norman Conquest of England

Bestselling authors first, then star rating.

Non Fiction

3 Non-Fiction Books About the Norman Conquest of England

Histories, biographies and reference works are listed separately from the historical novels above.