Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • The Norman Conquest: Refers specifically to the 11th-century conquest of England by an army from Normandy, led by Duke William II of Normandy, following his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This event resulted in profound political, cultural, linguistic, and social changes in England.

Usage

• The term Norman Conquest is used as a singular, proper noun to denote this specific historical event. It is typically preceded by the definite article "the."
• It is used in historical, academic, and general contexts to discuss the causes, events, and consequences of this pivotal moment in English history.

Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The Norman Conquest of 1066 brought significant changes to English law and land ownership.
  • Many English nobles lost their lands after the Norman Conquest.
  • Historians study the Norman Conquest to understand the fusion of Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures.

Advanced Usage

• "following the Norman Conquest": Used to indicate events or conditions that occurred after 1066.
  • The English language absorbed many French words following the Norman Conquest.
• "prior to the Norman Conquest": Used to describe the period or state of affairs before 1066.
  • Anglo-Saxon England had a different system of governance prior to the Norman Conquest.

Variants and Related Words

• Conquest (n): The act of conquering a place or people. (e.g., ).
• Norman (adj): Relating to Normandy or the Normans. (e.g., ).
• Hastings, Battle of (n): The decisive battle in 1066 that enabled the Norman Conquest.

Synonyms

• The Conquest: A common shorthand used by historians.
• The Norman Invasion: Emphasizes the military invasion aspect.

Related Phrases

• "to date from the Norman Conquest": Originating in or since that period.
  • This feudal custom dates from the Norman Conquest.
• "in the wake of the Norman Conquest": In the aftermath or following period of the event.
  • In the wake of the Norman Conquest, a new aristocracy was established.

Noun

1. the invasion and settlement of England by the Normans following the battle of Hastings (1066)