Norman Conquest (1066)
Study note
The Norman Conquest is one of the most important dates in English history. In 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, sailed from France and fought the Anglo-Saxon king Harold at the Battle of Hastings. Harold was killed in the fighting and William won the throne, becoming known as William the Conqueror.
This victory in 1066 was the last time England was successfully invaded by a foreign power. The Norman Conquest did not unite England and Scotland, and it was not led by the Vikings. It brought lasting change to the country, including the spread of Norman French among the ruling classes, a new system of land ownership, and a strong new royal government. Remember the key facts together: the year 1066, the Battle of Hastings, the defeat of Harold, and the rise of William the Conqueror.
Memory tip: 1066, the last successful invasion of England. William the Conqueror wins at Hastings.
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 7
In which year was the Battle of Hastings?
Show all questions and answers for Norman Conquest (1066)(7 questions with explanations)
Norman Conquest (1066): questions, answers and explanations
1. In which year was the Battle of Hastings?
- 1485
- 1707
- 1066
- 1215
Correct answer: 1066
The Battle of Hastings took place in 1066.
2. Who became King of England after winning the Battle of Hastings?
- King Harold
- William the Conqueror
- King John
- Henry VIII
Correct answer: William the Conqueror
William, Duke of Normandy, won and became known as William the Conqueror.
3. The Norman Conquest of 1066 was the last successful foreign invasion of England.
- True
- False
Correct answer: True
True. No foreign power has successfully invaded England since 1066.
4. Which king did William of Normandy defeat at the Battle of Hastings in 1066?
- Cnut
- Alfred
- John
- Harold
Correct answer: Harold
William defeated the English King Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
5. Select TWO facts about the Norman Conquest.
- It united England and Scotland
- It happened in 1066
- William the Conqueror became king
- It was led by the Vikings
Correct answer: It happened in 1066 and William the Conqueror became king
The Norman Conquest of 1066 made William the Conqueror King of England.
6. Which of these statements is correct?
- William the Conqueror defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066
- Harold defeated William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings in 1066
Correct answer: William the Conqueror defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066
William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold at Hastings in 1066.
7. Which of these statements about 1066 is NOT true?
- The Norman Conquest united England and Scotland
- The Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066
- William of Normandy became king after the battle
Correct answer: The Norman Conquest united England and Scotland
The Norman Conquest did not unite England and Scotland; that came much later.
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