The Forgotten Empire That Controlled Both England and France
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Date: 2025-07-20
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RMMHSTejaswiRoy
After the Norman conquest of England, William i crowned himself as king of England and was already the Duke of normandy, but William i didn't make england part of duchy of normandy as england was a huge seperate kingdom and thus England remained as the kingdom of England with English being the official language of England and the English adopted the Norman language and culture of Viking or norse and French origin leading to development of English language with adoption of several french words and norse words and both French and norse cultures. After norman conquest of England, England which remained as kingdom of England was ruled seperately by William i as king of England from 1066 ad.
After the death of willam I in 1087. ad, his elder son became king of duchy of normandy and his younger son, William ii became king of England and then wars occurred between England and normandy, as the younger son of William i, William ii, the king of England wanted to be the king of normandy as well and annex normandy as part of english territory and shift main centre of norman dynasty to England and make norman dynasty an English dynasty. Finally the successor of William ii, emperor of England, Henry i conquered normandy 1106 ad and thus, this resulted in the end of duchy of normandy in 1106 ad and english conquest of normandy and making normandy an English territory under the kingdom of England in 1106 ad and shifting of centre of norman dynasty from normandy to England in 1106 ad.
Over the years England would conquer the kingdoms of Wales, and Ireland and would conquer the territories of Scotland and would conquer more territories of France like aquitanne, champagne, lorraine, occitane, burgundy, Brittany, picardy, Val De loire, ille de france including Paris. , the capital of France, rhone alpes, grand est, French de comte etc and would conquer entire France including the capital of France, Paris.
However the English wouldn't be able to rule and dominate over France for long as the French would defeat and drive the english out of France and also from normandy the state of France.
But the influence of english in France and especially in the French states of normandy, Brittany, picardy and acquittane would remain and influence the French language and culture as well.
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After the Norman conquest of England, William i crowned himself as king of England and was already the Duke of normandy, but William i didn't make england part of duchy of normandy as england was a huge seperate kingdom and thus England remained as the kingdom of England with English being the official language of England and the English adopted the Norman language and culture of Viking or norse and French origin leading to development of English language with adoption of several french words and norse words and both French and norse cultures. After norman conquest of England, England which remained as kingdom of England was ruled seperately by William i as king of England from 1066 ad.
After the death of willam I in 1087. ad, his elder son became king of duchy of normandy and his younger son, William ii became king of England and then wars occurred between England and normandy, as the younger son of William i, William ii, the king of England wanted to be the king of normandy as well and annex normandy as part of english territory and shift main centre of norman dynasty to England and make norman dynasty an English dynasty. Finally the successor of William ii, emperor of England, Henry i conquered normandy 1106 ad and thus, this resulted in the end of duchy of normandy in 1106 ad and english conquest of normandy and making normandy an English territory under the kingdom of England in 1106 ad and shifting of centre of norman dynasty from normandy to England in 1106 ad.
Over the years England would conquer the kingdoms of Wales, and Ireland and would conquer the territories of Scotland and would conquer more territories of France like aquitanne, champagne, lorraine, occitane, burgundy, Brittany, picardy, Val De loire, ille de france including Paris. , the capital of France, rhone alpes, grand est, French de comte etc and would conquer entire France including the capital of France, Paris.
However the English wouldn't be able to rule and dominate over France for long as the French would defeat and drive the english out of France and also from normandy the state of France.
But the influence of english in France and especially in the French states of normandy, Brittany, picardy and acquittane would remain and influence the French language and culture as well.
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kubhlaikhan2015
This story is simply not true. The language of southern Britain (the Saxon kingdoms) at the time of Aethelstan was already French. In fact it had probably been the dominant language since the 6th or 7th century. What happened in 1066 was not a French invasion but the continuation of a long civil war between the French speaking south and the Old English (Angle/Frisian) speaking north east. Britain was not invaded by Vikings either, rather the north and east belonged to a confederation of people (the Dane-law) around the North Sea. Anyone from the Dane Law was already a Dane by definition - no invasion required. The army of Rollo, the legendary founder of Normandy came predominantly from eastern England yet they called themselves Danes. Almost nothing in the conventional account of British history is true.
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This story is simply not true. The language of southern Britain (the Saxon kingdoms) at the time of Aethelstan was already French. In fact it had probably been the dominant language since the 6th or 7th century. What happened in 1066 was not a French invasion but the continuation of a long civil war between the French speaking south and the Old English (Angle/Frisian) speaking north east. Britain was not invaded by Vikings either, rather the north and east belonged to a confederation of people (the Dane-law) around the North Sea. Anyone from the Dane Law was already a Dane by definition - no invasion required. The army of Rollo, the legendary founder of Normandy came predominantly from eastern England yet they called themselves Danes. Almost nothing in the conventional account of British history is true.
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knowledgia
If the Normans are French (they aren't, the Normams hated the French) like the French want to believe they are, the invasion of 1066 is nothing but an act of terror that proves the French are pure evil. It always strikes me strange that the French love to gloat about dominating the English in 1066 and yet, ironically, it gives the English the moral highground and dictates everything England has done to the French ever since has been righteous justice. No right to complain about Napoleon dying an English prisoner. Now right to complain about brutal chevauchees. No right to complain about English taking over the world and replacing French. It's god correcting things. In fact, the French should worship the English soliders buried in their country for saving them in both world wars. We're better people than them.
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If the Normans are French (they aren't, the Normams hated the French) like the French want to believe they are, the invasion of 1066 is nothing but an act of terror that proves the French are pure evil. It always strikes me strange that the French love to gloat about dominating the English in 1066 and yet, ironically, it gives the English the moral highground and dictates everything England has done to the French ever since has been righteous justice. No right to complain about Napoleon dying an English prisoner. Now right to complain about brutal chevauchees. No right to complain about English taking over the world and replacing French. It's god correcting things. In fact, the French should worship the English soliders buried in their country for saving them in both world wars. We're better people than them.
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knowledgia
Imagine how hard it must be, being French and the shameful levels of regret and rage you must feel losing the rivalry against England. Not only did your monarchy go bankrupt and get erased because of losing wars against England but your republic under Napoleon got totally annihilated by England too and it's it's this great loss of prestige and global takeover over the English language that is hard for a Frenchman to live with. He hears his own politicians, sportsmen and celebrities speaking English and he feels killed that he has to live with that. According to the European committee of language, 60% of France can speak English too.
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Imagine how hard it must be, being French and the shameful levels of regret and rage you must feel losing the rivalry against England. Not only did your monarchy go bankrupt and get erased because of losing wars against England but your republic under Napoleon got totally annihilated by England too and it's it's this great loss of prestige and global takeover over the English language that is hard for a Frenchman to live with. He hears his own politicians, sportsmen and celebrities speaking English and he feels killed that he has to live with that. According to the European committee of language, 60% of France can speak English too.
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billdehappy1
aquataine as normandy is not kingdom they dukedoms think you get comfused as normans got the english king as titel stil duke and vassal of french king for correct titel. can get comfusing espcially not used as terms nobility are doing for the non military rank are comperd own equal not step out of line as lesser be punishable often just for minor things like such know you place as very harsh viewed not respect shown or obey your betters for us of nobility as much peasents we might get pardon for it aslong kings favor is but repeating it favor is drops
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aquataine as normandy is not kingdom they dukedoms think you get comfused as normans got the english king as titel stil duke and vassal of french king for correct titel. can get comfusing espcially not used as terms nobility are doing for the non military rank are comperd own equal not step out of line as lesser be punishable often just for minor things like such know you place as very harsh viewed not respect shown or obey your betters for us of nobility as much peasents we might get pardon for it aslong kings favor is but repeating it favor is drops
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Inucroft
Wales, due to the Anglo-Norman invasions, have the most castles per square mile of any country in the world.
Pembrokeshire (SW Wales) has the most castles per square mile of any county (or international equivalent) with over 50 at it's height. Though only 21 remain standing.
This includes the absolute unit: Pembroke Castle, an immense citadel that hosts one of the few true Donjon in the UK. And was only ever captured once in it's history, that being it's surrender during the Second Civil War (aka War of the Three Kingdoms)
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Wales, due to the Anglo-Norman invasions, have the most castles per square mile of any country in the world.
Pembrokeshire (SW Wales) has the most castles per square mile of any county (or international equivalent) with over 50 at it's height. Though only 21 remain standing.
This includes the absolute unit: Pembroke Castle, an immense citadel that hosts one of the few true Donjon in the UK. And was only ever captured once in it's history, that being it's surrender during the Second Civil War (aka War of the Three Kingdoms)
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AngelofDeath-Y2K
Ironically, people will never understand that wars are never personal. its usually done out of desperate measures weighing on multiple factors like ones country, having a lack of resources and food due to overcrowding, thus forcing them into invasion measures or concerned about a neibor country gaining influence on theirs due to religion influence being taken from within. war is never as simple as this country hates that country. it's all about power, influence, and resources.
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Ironically, people will never understand that wars are never personal. its usually done out of desperate measures weighing on multiple factors like ones country, having a lack of resources and food due to overcrowding, thus forcing them into invasion measures or concerned about a neibor country gaining influence on theirs due to religion influence being taken from within. war is never as simple as this country hates that country. it's all about power, influence, and resources.
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knowledgia
Lucien Musset (20th century, but his work remains influential)
The Norman duchy’s origins as a Viking settlement contributed to a long-lasting divide between the Normans and the French. Medieval chroniclers often express the Normans’ pride in their distinctiveness and the French disdain or envy toward them, fostering ethnic hostility which is evident in the literary and historical sources.
Les Invasions Normandes, 1958.
(Translation)
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Lucien Musset (20th century, but his work remains influential)
The Norman duchy’s origins as a Viking settlement contributed to a long-lasting divide between the Normans and the French. Medieval chroniclers often express the Normans’ pride in their distinctiveness and the French disdain or envy toward them, fostering ethnic hostility which is evident in the literary and historical sources.
Les Invasions Normandes, 1958.
(Translation)
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knowledgia
9: 27 - I lost track of the precise date but this was by the time serfdom / villainy was operative - I remember reading a book in elementary school that I don't know if I finished reading, the operative premise was some individual trying to provide for his family and the question over 'poaching' in this particular context became a moral debate. I suppose I can historically comprehend that, in the first 40% of this video, a little better now.
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9: 27 - I lost track of the precise date but this was by the time serfdom / villainy was operative - I remember reading a book in elementary school that I don't know if I finished reading, the operative premise was some individual trying to provide for his family and the question over 'poaching' in this particular context became a moral debate. I suppose I can historically comprehend that, in the first 40% of this video, a little better now.
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knowledgia
The Norman Empire migrated from the Western France and invaded England because the Norman knights killed the king of England and the King of Normandy had a chance to rule all the kingdoms of England; hence, it’s possible for the Norman knights to conquer the kingdoms of England, and they were stronger than the English knights. Once the enemy knights kill the leader of the kingdom, it’s easy for the enemy knights to conquer the kingdoms.
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The Norman Empire migrated from the Western France and invaded England because the Norman knights killed the king of England and the King of Normandy had a chance to rule all the kingdoms of England; hence, it’s possible for the Norman knights to conquer the kingdoms of England, and they were stronger than the English knights. Once the enemy knights kill the leader of the kingdom, it’s easy for the enemy knights to conquer the kingdoms.
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knowledgia
The earliest Norman chroniclers show that the Normans, or rather the Northmen, bore much illwill toward the French; and this prejudice probably lasted as long as their Northern physiognomy, their fair hair, and other characteristics whereby they were distinguished from the French. ’
Summarized from later French historiographical overviews (e. g. The Normans in European History, Project Gutenburg.
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The earliest Norman chroniclers show that the Normans, or rather the Northmen, bore much illwill toward the French; and this prejudice probably lasted as long as their Northern physiognomy, their fair hair, and other characteristics whereby they were distinguished from the French. ’
Summarized from later French historiographical overviews (e. g. The Normans in European History, Project Gutenburg.
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knowledgia
Orderic observes repeated aggression by Normans toward the French:
In all communities, wherever they may be, they strive to dominate, and they are often made transgressors of truth and loyalty on account of their surging ambition. This the Franks and Bretons and Flemings and other neighbors experienced again and again
describing Norman behavior toward the French and others
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Orderic observes repeated aggression by Normans toward the French:
In all communities, wherever they may be, they strive to dominate, and they are often made transgressors of truth and loyalty on account of their surging ambition. This the Franks and Bretons and Flemings and other neighbors experienced again and again
describing Norman behavior toward the French and others
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peetoooooo8794
They're doomed either way but it's the right decision nonetheless. He has become a divisive presence. Dietrich Mateschitz died, Newey and other top talent left. They can't be having a power struggle while all of this change is going on. Power struggles stunt progress. It's just the kind of decision corporations make to move things along for better or for worse.
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They're doomed either way but it's the right decision nonetheless. He has become a divisive presence. Dietrich Mateschitz died, Newey and other top talent left. They can't be having a power struggle while all of this change is going on. Power struggles stunt progress. It's just the kind of decision corporations make to move things along for better or for worse.
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coltharpc
The title is misleading. It should read How England Became Viking for this time period. William the Conqueror, a Norman king from the Duchy of Normandy, descended from Viking ancestors who settled northern France. The Duchy was bequeathed to these Vikings as payment & bribe to defend their fledgling kingdom from Danish raids along their coast and its tributaries.
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The title is misleading. It should read How England Became Viking for this time period. William the Conqueror, a Norman king from the Duchy of Normandy, descended from Viking ancestors who settled northern France. The Duchy was bequeathed to these Vikings as payment & bribe to defend their fledgling kingdom from Danish raids along their coast and its tributaries.
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Cysrgan
In those days, the language in England was the same as that spoken in Norway and Denmark, but there was a change of language when William the Bastard conquered England. Since William was of French descent, the French language was used in England from then on.
Gunnlaugs saga ormstungu (13th c. Icelandic saga)
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In those days, the language in England was the same as that spoken in Norway and Denmark, but there was a change of language when William the Bastard conquered England. Since William was of French descent, the French language was used in England from then on.
Gunnlaugs saga ormstungu (13th c. Icelandic saga)
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rmcl5116
One key detail missed. Norman's were Norman's. Not Frank's. The Frank's themselves did not consider the Norman's French. Their heritage is viking, Norman means northman. Lookup Rollo, he was the first duke of Normandy and was a viking leader. Norman vikings raided and settled in southern Italy for a time also.
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One key detail missed. Norman's were Norman's. Not Frank's. The Frank's themselves did not consider the Norman's French. Their heritage is viking, Norman means northman. Lookup Rollo, he was the first duke of Normandy and was a viking leader. Norman vikings raided and settled in southern Italy for a time also.
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JayBritt-y4l
England never did become 'French' even the Norman's were Scandinavian.
The English were never displaced, and English is still a Germanic Language.
The answer to your question in the thumbnail 'HOW DID ENGLAND BECOME FRENCH' is. what on earth are you talking about Stop trying to erase our identity!
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England never did become 'French' even the Norman's were Scandinavian.
The English were never displaced, and English is still a Germanic Language.
The answer to your question in the thumbnail 'HOW DID ENGLAND BECOME FRENCH' is. what on earth are you talking about Stop trying to erase our identity!
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ArmchairFilmCritic
You missed out the brief 7 month reign of Ethelred’s son Edmund Ironside in 1016 who battled Cnut for the throne.
Henry II imprisoned Eleanor after her involvement in the rebellion against him.
Henry II passed on the 6th July 1189 at Chinon not in 1184.
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You missed out the brief 7 month reign of Ethelred’s son Edmund Ironside in 1016 who battled Cnut for the throne.
Henry II imprisoned Eleanor after her involvement in the rebellion against him.
Henry II passed on the 6th July 1189 at Chinon not in 1184.
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knowledgia
Great overview of how the Normans reshaped England, from feudalism to the seeds of Magna Carta. But was William's brutal conquest and land grab a necessary evil to forge a stronger England, or just a power-hungry takeover that crushed Anglo-Saxon culture Thoughts
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Great overview of how the Normans reshaped England, from feudalism to the seeds of Magna Carta. But was William's brutal conquest and land grab a necessary evil to forge a stronger England, or just a power-hungry takeover that crushed Anglo-Saxon culture Thoughts
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MrWhy-m5l
Honestly, I didn’t know England went through all that drama before becoming England’. Vikings, Normans, betrayals, and Magna Carta At this point, it’s basically a medieval soap opera! Who knew the foundation of England was built on so many plot twists!
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Honestly, I didn’t know England went through all that drama before becoming England’. Vikings, Normans, betrayals, and Magna Carta At this point, it’s basically a medieval soap opera! Who knew the foundation of England was built on so many plot twists!
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