Storyline

With 1066, Professor Jennifer Paxton's exciting and historically rich six-lecture course, experience for yourself the drama of this dynamic year in medieval history-centering on the Norman Conquest of England that would dramatically reshape both English and Western history. Taking you from the shores of Scandinavia and France to the battlefields of the English countryside, this course plunges you into a world of fierce Viking warriors, powerful noble families, politically charged marriages, tense succession crises, epic military invasions, and more.

First Aired

2021-08-09
Last Aired

2021-09-13
Creator

Jennifer Paxton
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

1
Episodes

6
Status

Returning Series
Language
Network

Wonderium, The Great Courses

Keywords:

british history history

Stream and watch 1066: The Year that Changed Everything

Season 1

1. The Norman Conquest

What makes 1066 such a pivotal year in the history of Western civilization? How has the meaning of the...More

What makes 1066 such a pivotal year in the history of Western civilization? How has the meaning of the Norman Conquest been debated and interpreted over time? And how did two weddings-between the English king Aethelred and the duke of Normandy's sister, Emma, and then, after the death of Aethelred, Emma's marriage to the Danish king Cnut-lay the groundwork for this tumultuous moment? Find out in this lecture that provides crucial information for grasping the Norman Conquest.Less

33mins 2021-08-09

2. England and Normandy Before Conquest

Take a closer look at the half-century between the Danish conquest of England in 1016 and the fateful ...More

Take a closer look at the half-century between the Danish conquest of England in 1016 and the fateful year of 1066-a chaotic time when power was up for grabs. Two figures were crucial during this time. The first: Edward the Confessor, who succeeded to the English throne in 1042 but was dominated by the powerful Godwinsons. The second: William the Bastard, the ruler of Normandy, who brought the Norman nobles under control and then set his sights on conquering England.Less

34mins 2021-08-16

3. The Succession Crisis in England

Investigate how the relationship between Edward the Confessor and William the Bastard put England and ...More

Investigate how the relationship between Edward the Confessor and William the Bastard put England and Normandy on a collision course when the childless King Edward had to plan the succession to the English throne. You'll focus on Edward's plans for succession, meet the contenders to the throne, and learn how Harold Godwinson achieved victory at the Battle of Stamford Bridge-only to face another invasion of England from the south.Less

34mins 2021-08-23

4. The Battle of Hastings

Revisit one of the most important moments in English history: the Battle of Hastings, after which the ...More

Revisit one of the most important moments in English history: the Battle of Hastings, after which the island nation-and the entire Western world-would never be the same. Dr. Paxton reveals how the Normans mustered up enough men and ships for their invasion; investigates some intriguing mysteries and controversies about the invasion; explains the tactics of medieval warfare; and provides a blow-by-blow account of the battle.Less

33mins 2021-08-30

5. Completing the Conquest

It took several years for William the Conqueror to consolidate the gains he made at the Battle of Hast...More

It took several years for William the Conqueror to consolidate the gains he made at the Battle of Hastings. Learn how he used a combination of diplomacy and clever military tactics to take control of London without a fierce battle; how he won over the church so that he could get himself crowned king; how he spent the early years of his reign responding to various rebellions in the northern part of the country; and more.Less

35mins 2021-09-06

6. After the Conquest

Why does the Norman Conquest matter? Take a closer look at the relationship between the Normans and th...More

Why does the Norman Conquest matter? Take a closer look at the relationship between the Normans and the English in the generations immediately following the conquest, with a focus on the myriad ways that Norman and English culture intermingled. You'll realize the ultimate legacy of this vital year: the transition of England into the European mainstream.Less