On the 14th October 1066 the fate of England was changed forever.

Harold Godwinson lay dead on the battlefield and William, the Duke of Normandy, would soon be crowned King of England.

No longer would Anglo-Saxons or Vikings rule England; this was the age of the Normans.

Renowned scholar, Edward A. Freeman, gives a fascinating overview of this momentous event in European history.

Freeman uncovers the origins of the Norman people and their impact that they made across Europe, from Scandinavia down to Sicily, as well as providing an outline of England prior to 1066 and an account of all the major figures who took part in the conquest.

Particularly fascinating is Freeman's analysis of how William asserted his rule after the battle and forced the formerly Anglo-Saxon kingdom to become a Norman one with a new landowning class.

This work is essential reading for anyone interested in the medieval period and who wishes to learn more about one of the most important events in English history.

Frank Barlow stated that Freeman was extremely well qualified to study and write on the Norman Conquest as he had " a good knowledge of languages, including Anglo-Saxon, and an interest in field archaeology and architecture, with the ability to sketch buildings and their features. Above all, he had tremendous zest."

Edward A. Freeman was Regius Professor of Modern History at Oxford whose most famous work was the six volume The History of the Norman Conquest of England. published between 1867 and 1879. This shortened version of that work was published in 1880. He died in 1892.