Battle of Hastings: The War that Changed the Course of English Language Forever
The Norman Invasion
The 14th of October 1066 marks the day of the battle that changed the English language forever. William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, defeated the English army of Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The Heir to the Throne
Before the invasion, Norman historians claimed that the childless King Edward the Confessor promised to make his cousin William his heir. Harold Godwinson sailed to Normandy to visit William to pledge an oath over sacred relics promising the throne of England. However, after the death of King Edward, he granted the crown to Harold. He was proclaimed King Harold II right after the burial.
William was furious when he received the news and demanded Harold II to return the throne to him. He planned to invade England immediately with a solemn blessing from Pope Alexander II and Emperor Henry IV of the Holy Roman Empire’s approval.
The Battle
William landed on the southeast coast of Britain with 7,000 troops and cavalry on the 28th of September 1066. They burned villages as they march to Hastings to set camp. King Harold II’s army arrived on the 13th of October 1066, just days after their victorious battle against the invasion of King Harald Hadrada in the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
The two forces met on Senlac Hill where Harold took the defensive position on top. The bloody battle lasted all day and ended with the death of King Harold II.
The Coronation and England Transformation
William was crowned as the first Norman king of England, ending the Anglo-Saxon rule on the 25th of December 1066. Because he was born out of wedlock he was called William the Bastard. He is now proclaimed King William I or William the Conqueror.
England went through a massive transformation under the Norman rule. He replaced all the nobles with Normans. He built churches and castles that can still be seen all over the United Kingdom including the Dover Castle, the Tower of London and Winchester Cathedral.
The Domesday Book
Also called “The Great Survey” is one of the greatest achievements of William I. It is the census of all the wealth and assets of his people. He ordered to commissioned the survey to raise taxes to pay for his army.
English Language Evolution
Although William I is illiterate in both English and French, he made significant changes in the English Language. The Normans (Norman-French) and Anglo-Saxons (Old English) merged their language to form the English we still use today.
It’s the reason why cows, pigs, and sheep became beef, pork, and mutton once they are served on the table.
The Anglo-Saxons would live in a house with three rooms while the Normans would reside in a mansion with three chambers.
For more English words with dual French and Anglo-Saxon variations visit this Wikipedia link.
Fun Fact: William the Conqueror is the 25th-great-grandfather of Queen Elizabeth II and a direct descendant of Rollo the Viking who founded Normandy.
