Middle Ages
William of Normandy
Also known as "The Conqueror", this Norman ruler conquered England in the years from 1066.
Bayeaux Tapestry
Commissioned by Bishop Odo, the brother of William the Conqueror, to commemorate his victory over the English. Actually a tapestry, it was completed in the years after 1066.
Harold Godwinson
The King of England at the time of the Norman Conquest. Traditionally believed to have died with an arrow through his eye.
Domesday Book
The census of England conducted by William of Normandy upon his conquest in 1066, to assess the population and tax base of the country.
Edward the Confessor
The childless and highly religious king of England, prior to Harold Godwinson, whose throne was contested by three leaders.
Bailiff
The person chosen by a lord to come and oversee the running of a particular village. His job involved being in charge of justice, managing the finances, undertaking building projects and collecting rents or taxes.
Steward
The person left by a Feudal Lord as his lieutenant on a manor should he be away. This person oversaw the running of the estate.
Motte and Bailey
The type of castles which were constructed by William the Conqueror to assert his authority upon the conquest of Britain.
1066
The year in which William of Normandy conquered England.