Character Catalog

Victory at Hastings and seizure of the English throne, one of the most significant events in European medieval history, which durably transformed English culture, language, and institutions.

Comprehensive survey of all lands and wealth in England, an administrative document unparalleled in Europe at the time, still preserved in the British National Archives.

Building of this iconic fortress to consolidate Norman power over London. The White Tower, completed around 1100, became the heart of the fortified complex.

Benedictine monastery founded by William as an act of penance, which became a model of Norman Romanesque architecture and his place of burial.

Monastery founded by Queen Matilda, William's wife, alongside the Abbaye-aux-Hommes. Matilda was buried there in 1083.

William redistributed English lands to his Norman barons, imposing a more rigorous centralised feudal system than the one in place on the continent.

The Tapestry illustrates in 58 embroidered scenes the events leading to the conquest of England, from Harold's oath to the Battle of Hastings. It stands as a unique visual testimony on the weaponry, ships, and military tactics of the 11th century.

This great survey commissioned by William in 1085 describes with remarkable precision every estate in England: its lands, livestock, inhabitants, and their obligations. It allowed the king to know exactly the wealth of his kingdom.

William of Poitiers, the duke's chaplain, writes that William fought at Hastings with extraordinary bravery, three horses having been killed under him, and that he lifted his helmet to show his troops he was still alive.

This Latin poem attributed to Guy of Amiens describes in detail the course of the Battle of Hastings and the death of King Harold, struck in the eye by an arrow according to tradition.

The likely birthplace of William. The fortress dominates the town of Falaise in Normandy and was one of the main ducal residences.

Site of the decisive battle of 14 October 1066, where William defeated King Harold II. Senlac Hill, a few kilometres from the town, was the exact location of the confrontation.

Founded by William around 1063 as penance for his marriage, which the Church deemed consanguineous. He was buried there in 1087 and the building remains a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque architecture.

Fortress whose construction William ordered from 1066 to control London. The central keep, the White Tower, symbolises Norman dominance over England.

Norman town housing the famous Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidery of nearly 70 metres depicting the conquest of England. The bishopric was held by Odo, William's half-brother.

Site of William's coronation on 25 December 1066, establishing the tradition of crowning England's kings in this London abbey.

Long chainmail coat worn by Norman knights, visible on the Bayeux Tapestry. William wore one at Hastings, where he had to lift his nasal guard to be recognized by his troops.

Conical helmet fitted with a metal piece protecting the nose, characteristic of Norman warriors of the 11th century. It made combatants difficult to identify in battle.

Elongated kite-shaped shield, typical of Norman cavalry. It protected the rider from chin to knee and appears in nearly every combat scene of the Bayeux Tapestry.

William used a wax seal to authenticate his charters and ordinances. His royal seal depicted him in majesty on one side and on horseback on the other.

A blessed standard sent by Pope Alexander II to legitimize William's expedition to England. It was carried at Hastings as a sign of the Church's endorsement.

Official documents by which William founded or endowed abbeys and monasteries, such as the Abbaye-aux-Hommes in Caen, to affirm his piety and authority.