The nasty Normans: 1066-1154
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
This course has now finished
- Course Code: HBH50
- Dates: 09/01/24 - 19/03/24
- Time: 12:30 - 14:30
- Taught: Tue, Daytime
- Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Vanessa King
Course Code: HBH50
Duration: 11 sessions (over 11 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Center for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
The impact of the Norman Conquest of England and western Europe 911 - 1154.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
We start with a history of the Normans in Normandy before 1066. We will look at why the Norman Conquest was successful and the impact of foreign occupation on the political, economic, social and religious infrastructure of England. We examine Domesday Book which is a testament to the efficiency of Anglo-Saxon government. We end by exploring Norman activities further afield in southern Italy and Sicily.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Identify reasons why the English lost the Battle of Hastings in 1066
• Describe the effects of the Norman Conquest on the English church
• Interpret extracts from primary sources such as Domesday Book and the Pipe Roll of 1130
• Debate on reasons for the civil war between Stephen and Matilda
• Sum up the impact of the Norman Conquest on English society.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
No prior knowledge is necessary, but a good understanding of English is essential.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Each week there will be a PowerPoint presentation and a seminar-style discussion of original sources (in translation) pertinent to the topic. You are invited to bring along/describe items you have read in newspapers/heard on radio/seen on TV you think may be of interest to the group. You will be encouraged to do homework reading to foster debate.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You need only bring note-taking materials. All necessary reading materials will be provided. If you wish to purchase a book before the course begins, I would recommend Richard Huscroft, The Norman Conquest: A New Introduction (2009) OR Ruling England 1042 x 1217 (2005) by the same author.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
HBH51 The Angry Angevins:1152-1216.
Vanessa King is a reitred university lecturer in Medieval and early Modern History. She is a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries and Honorary Fellow of Birkbeck College University of London. At City Lit, Vanessa offers courses and day schools on London, European, and Global Encounters in the Far East. She has published widely on the Anglo-Norman period (1066-1154), and is currently writing a book on Early English Queenship 600-1066 for Routledge. You can follow her progress via her website: https://queenshipinpreconquestengland.wordpress.com/ Vanessa’s expertise in medieval matters means she is frequently called upon to give public lectures and speak on BBC Radio. Vanessa's philosophy of teaching is to make history come alive through informative presentations with a good sense of humour. In her spare time, she enjoys nothing better than talking history over a glass of red wine!
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.