The Norman Conquest 1066

How William of Normandy defeated King Harold and changed England forever

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
In which year did the Battle of Hastings take place? A) 1066 B) 1166 C) 966 D) 1086
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2
Who led the Norman army at the Battle of Hastings? A) William, Duke of Normandy B) King Harold of England C) King Alfred the Great D) Richard the Lionheart
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3
True or false? King Harold was killed during the Battle of Hastings. A) True B) False
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4
In which year did the Normans invade England? A) 1066 B) 1492 C) 1666 D) 1815
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5
Fill in the blank. The famous embroidered cloth that tells the story of the Norman Conquest is called the ___ Tapestry.
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6
What did William order to be created in 1086 to record who owned land in England? A) The Domesday Book B) Magna Carta C) The Bayeux Tapestry D) The English Bible
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7
Put these events of 1066 in the order they happened. Put these in order: Battle of Hastings, Edward the Confessor dies, William is crowned King of England, Harold becomes King of England
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8
True or false? After the Norman Conquest, French became the main language spoken at the English royal court. A) True B) False
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9
Why did William build many stone castles across England after 1066? A) To control the local people and defend his new kingdom B) To use as schools for English children C) To store food for the winter D) To welcome visitors from other countries
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10
Which of these is a long-term effect of the Norman Conquest on England? A) Thousands of French words entered the English language B) The English began to write only in Latin C) London was completely destroyed D) England joined Scotland to form one country
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Answer key

The Norman Conquest 1066 · for parents and teachers

1
1066
The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066. It is one of the most important dates in British history.
2
William, Duke of Normandy
William, Duke of Normandy, led the Norman army. After his victory he became known as William the Conqueror and was crowned King William I.
3
True
King Harold II was killed at the Battle of Hastings. The Bayeux Tapestry shows a figure with an arrow in his eye, though historians still debate the details.
4
1066
The Normans invaded England in 1066, ending Anglo-Saxon rule.
5
Bayeux
The Bayeux Tapestry is around 70 metres long and shows the events leading up to and including the Battle of Hastings.
6
The Domesday Book
The Domesday Book was completed in 1086. It was a huge survey of land, people and wealth in England, used so William could collect taxes.
7
Edward the Confessor dies, Harold becomes King of England, Battle of Hastings, William is crowned King of England
Edward the Confessor died in January 1066. Harold was crowned soon after. The Battle of Hastings was on 14 October 1066. William was crowned king on 25 December 1066.
8
True
After 1066, French was used at court, in law and by the nobility for hundreds of years. This is why English has so many French words today.
9
To control the local people and defend his new kingdom
William built castles such as the Tower of London to show his power and to defend against rebellions by Anglo-Saxons who did not accept Norman rule.
10
Thousands of French words entered the English language
Norman French left a lasting mark on English. Words to do with law, government, food and the army often have French roots, such as parliament, beef and army.