England’s first Norman king, William I, was born in France, and was the Duke of Normandy. He was a cousin of the English king, Edward the Confessor.
Early in 1066, Edward died, and Harold, Earl of Wessex was crowned king. William was furious, claiming that in 1051, Edward had promised him the throne, and that Harold had later sworn to support that claim.
William built a fleet, and launched an invasion of England. Travelling by night, the Normans landed at Pevensey Bay and established their camp near Hastings. On 14th October, Harold’s army met William’s. It was a close-fought battle lasting all day, but Harold was killed, and his army collapsed. William was victorious, and on Christmas Day 1066, he was crowned king in Westminster Abbey.
A Norman aristocracy became the new governing class, and many members of the English aristocracy including bishops, were replaced with Normans.
