The Norman Conquest

A good read for any history buff. The nature of the subject and the source material does mean it jumps around at times rather than following a strictly linear chronology and at times is a bit dry. I read this after first reading the authors book on the Anglo Saxons which I found more interesting and easier to read. However, if you want to know about English history this book should definitely be included in your reading list. It is extremely well researched and referenced and takes an honest, “tell it like it is” approach without embellishment (which is why it is at times a bit dry).

This is the second book I have read by this historian. I did, in fact, buy this book because I so enjoyed the previous one, AngloSaxons. I felt The Norman Conquest was a logical follow up and am enjoying it greatly. I shall continue reading other books by this author...

So compelling and instructive, I have really enjoyed reading this book! Marc Norris describes brillantly the outcome of his research, it's an imersion in medieval times where the reader is led through the various events of the conquest. I didn't realize the magnitude of changes and the level of violence. After 20 years, the Norman invasion had devasted Northern England and Yorkshire. The english were totally gone from the top society, replaced by Normans; middle ranks were forced into servitude. The creation of royal forests which displaced thousands people from their home, etc... It was also an architectural revolution with new churches and the introduction of castles throughout the country. This was quite a revolution that changed the face of England with such violence.

I had fun reading this book. Never a dull moment. Enough information to satisfy my curiosity about this most important event in english history.

Really appreciated this book and the it furnished me with a new view of the norman conquest. Will surely look for other books from Mr Morris