Who were the Normans?

The Norman Conquest was one of the most impactful events in the history of Britain. It affected all aspects of Anglo-Saxon society from religion to law, art and architecture, and the English language itself.

As we approach the 960th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s conquest of England, the Normans remain as relevant as ever. Here, Assistant Curator Dr Caroline Wilhelmsson explores the origins of these fearsome invaders.

Land of the Norse men

The Normans came from the region of Normandy, in north-western France, located just across the Channel. Nor-man-dy literally means 'land of the Norse men'. That is because the Normans initially came from Scandinavia.

Back in the 9th century, the Vikings (who came from modern-day Norway, Denmark, and Sweden) were active throughout Europe and beyond. Renowned for their formidable navigational and fighting skills, they raided, traded, and settled wherever they landed. They went as far as America, Byzantium and North Africa, and dominated the North Sea and north Atlantic Ocean.

The Vikings were ruthless warriors, phenomenal craftsmen, and keen traders. They were experts at building all kinds of boats: long sailing ships for cross-ocean journeys, smaller rowing boats for navigating narrower rivers, and flat-bottomed cargo ships for transporting goods and animals.

Mixing with the Franks

The local population, who lived in Normandy before the Vikings arrived, were the Franks - a Germanic people who inhabited northern France and present-day Belgium. France is named after them.

The incoming Vikings spoke Old Norse, were mostly pagan; and their art, architecture, and legal system were very different from the local Frankish traditions. 

However, the subsequent generations quickly integrated. Norman architecture, fashion, and literature were all heavily influenced by the Franks. By the time William the Conqueror was born in about 1026, the Normans had developed a rich, hybrid culture which blended Norse and Frankish elements. They had also largely converted to Christianity.

Powerful allies

The Normans were often at war with neighbouring Britanny and the Counts of Anjou among other territories. However, they mainly enjoyed friendly relations with the King of France, not least because of William’s family connections. His wife, Matilda of Flanders was the daughter of the Count of Flanders, Baldwin V and the French king’s sister, Adela. That gave him connections and resources which he could draw on.

In fact, the Norman army which invaded England in 1066 did not solely consist of Norman soldiers. Flemish and French allies, as well as mercenaries, also followed. Many within his extended social circle were willing to follow William in battle, hoping to be rewarded for their service with lands and titles. And many were, as William replaced the local clergy and nobility with his followers. This ensured their continued support, further cementing continental influence on Anglo-Saxon society.

A Viking mindset

In just a little over a century, Normandy grew into a large, wealthy, and powerful duchy capable of rivalling older and more established kingdoms. Through military conquests and political alliances, it expanded well beyond the lands originally granted to Rollo. It quickly became one of the major players in western European politics.

Not only did they invade England (and later the rest of Britain and Ireland), but they also established a thriving kingdom in Sicily and even seized cities in North Africa. In that respect, they had a rather Viking-like expansionist mindset.

Beyond the battlefield

The northern influence can also be seen away from the battlefield. Norman decorative stonework and ironmongery, for instance, often feature patterns and motifs which are reminiscent of Viking styles.

Dragons and mythical beasts like those found on Scandinavian runestones and artefacts feature in Norman art and architecture. Jewellery such as brooches and rings also borrow from northern trends.