Norman Conquest

The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered (geborduurd) cloth that tells the story of the Norman conquest of England in 1066. It is in the news because maybe, just maybe, this famous work will leave France for the first time ever for a visit to England.
But what’s that Norman conquest all about?

Read the following words and phrases and their definitions.

• raider - person who suddenly and unexpectedly attacks a place
• to fancy the throne - to want to sit on the throne and be king or queen
• to give someone a good thrashing - to hit and beat them
• mounted knight - man trained to fight as a soldier on a horse
• to subjugate - to conquer and gain the obedience of a country

First read the assignment. Next watch the video. Take notes to help you do the assignment.

1. Where did the Normans originally come from?


2. Why was William II mad at Harold Godwinson?


3. Who won the Battle of Hastings?


4. Why did the ruling classes in England have to speak French after 1066?

Extra reading and writing assignment
Watch this amazing animation of second half of the Bayeux Tapestry.

Write a short overview of the historical events depicted here.