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.