The Powerful Norman King Who Ruled England

David Singapogu

10/31/19

Lesson 12

The Powerful Norman King Who Ruled England

            [2] During 1066 the Battle of Hastings was fought. [3]Sadly, it was fought shortly after the death of king Edward of England.[4] Claiming the throne was William the Conqueror, Edwards cousin, who declared,” Edward made me his heir!” However, when the Archbishop of York decided that he better ideas of his own, he foolishlycrowned Harold Godwinson, Edwards cousin. [5]When William heard this, he was an outrageous irateman. He decided that battle was the only way two settle this becauseHarold would not give up the throne. A few days later both armies met on the hillside of a mountain. The battle was about to begin!

            [6]Boom! Clash! Bang! The sound of clattering metal rang across the valley as the battle promptly began. This cycle repeated itself from the morning through the evening as many soldiers on both sides were either dead, wounded, or weary. It seemed like it would never end. That was until… zzzzip! A well-aimed arrow struck Harold in the eye, and he died quickly.  The next day, an extremely exhaustedWilliam limped his way to England were the same old Archbishop of York reluctantly crowned him king of England. During the first few years of his reign, the people were not happy about a Norman king ruling them, therefore there were many revolts. In response, William was ruthless, killing everyone who stood up to him. After a few years the revolts settled down. William also was the first person to introducethe feudal system, which involved him giving certain people dubbed “Barons” a piece of land whichthey would oversee. [1]William was a capable king who ruled harshly in order to show his power.