1066 Norman Conquest of England

England’s most pivotal historical event, the Norman Conquest, occurred in 1066. Here is a brief and clear summary:

Brief Summary of the Conquest

• Conqueror: William, Duke of Normandy (also known as William I or William the Conqueror).
• Battle: The famous Battle of Hastings.
• Conquered From: Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king.

The Reality

In the early 1000s, England was already under Anglo-Saxon rule (and had briefly been under the control of Danish Vikings). However, the 1066 conquest completely ended the Anglo-Saxon period, and French-origin Norman culture, language, and form of government became dominant in England.

Thus, the Anglo-Saxons were not the conquerors, but the side that lost the country in this century.

How Did the Normans Influence Art?

The Norman Conquest was not just a political change; it was a cultural revolution that completely transformed England’s visual and architectural identity. The more modest, wood-dominated structures of the Anglo-Saxons were replaced by massive, stern stone structures known as “Norman Romanesque.”

We can summarize the Norman influence on art and architecture under these main headings:

1. Architecture: “Norman Romanesque” Style
   The Normans built massive stone structures to symbolize their power. The most prominent features of this style include:

   • Round Arches: Thick, heavy round arches used above doors and windows.
   • Thick Walls and Massive Columns: Structures were so heavy that walls were built to enormous thickness (sometimes 2-3 meters).
   • Castle Architecture: Most of the iconic castles that come to mind today when thinking of England (e.g., the Tower of London) were initiated by the Normans for defensive purposes.

2. Embroidery Art: Bayeux Tapestry
   The most famous example of Norman art is not a painting or a sculpture, but a massive embroidery.

   • 70-Meter Visual Novel: It is a colossal linen fabric embroidery that narrates the 1066 conquest from the preparation phase to the end of the battle, like a graphic novel.
   • Propaganda Tool: It is one of history’s greatest pieces of evidence that art can be used not just for decoration, but also as a tool to tell the victor’s story.

3. Decorative Arts and Geometric Patterns
   In Norman art, geometric forms were prominent rather than human figures:

   • Zigzag (Chevron) Patterns: Zigzag carvings frequently seen on columns and arches are like the signature of the Normans.
   • Monsters and Griffins: Mythological creatures or stern-faced figures were often carved into column capitals.

4. Book Art and Manuscripts
   Monastic manuscripts moved away from the complex and “knotted” (Celtic knot) style of the Anglo-Saxon period, becoming more disciplined, clear, and adorned with magnificent illuminated initials reflecting the power of William I.