Normandy Before 1066

by David Bates

This book is a comprehensive history of Normandy before 1066.

Genres: History, France

287 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

David Bates is a historian of Britain and France during the period from the tenth century to the thirteenth century. He has written many books and articles during his career The most important among his books are Normandy before 1066 (1982); Regesta Regum Anglo-Normannorum: The Acta of William I, 1066-1087 (1998); The Normans and Empire (2013); and a biography of William the Conqueror (2016). The two most recent of these are an argument that seeks to create an analytical framework for the expansion of the Normans in Western Europe and a radical revision of the life of William the Conqueror published in the Yale University Press English Monarchs series.

He was Director of the IHR from 2003 until 2008, a period he regards as an important phase in a relationship with the IHR which goes back to the summer of 1968 when his time there made a major contribution to his subsequent career.

In addition to the University of London, he has held posts in the Universities of Cardiff, Glasgow, East Anglia, and Caen Normandie. He is now a Professorial Fellow of the University of East Anglia.

Reviews

[Jacob Fitzraymond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Normandy Before 1066 by David Bates

The book runs 254 pages, not including things such as the preface, introduction, appendix, map, index, etc.

This book provides a wealth of knowledge on multiple aspects of Normandy before 1066. Bates gives the reader a solid foundation by beginning with the Viking raids and then building from there to explain how Normandy developed. He spends the first part of the book examining the origins and consolidation of Normandy.

This opening section focuses on Normandy in the 10th century, a period for which Bates acknowledges the written record is scant. Because of this, he supplements the limited texts with place‑name evidence and archaeological findings to inform his interpretation of the era.

Part Two of the book is more expansive, supported by a richer body of written sources. Bates divides this section into five parts: Normandy and its neighbours, economy and social structure, ducal government, the Church, and achievement. He leaves no stone unturned in his analysis of these topics. The book is highly academic, and I was impressed by the level of scholarship and the breadth of sources Bates employs.

That being said, I found this book to be a challenging read. I had to put it down more often than usual, and I often felt relieved when I finished a reading session. This is not because the writing is poor—Bates’s prose is clear—but because the style is quite dry. Since this book was published in 1982, I plan to read Bates’s William the Conqueror (2016) next, and I’m curious to see whether his writing style feels more lively in that later work.

Overall, this book will remain on my shelf as a cornerstone reference for any research I do on Normandy before 1066. I would recommend it to anyone interested in the subject—especially those fortunate enough to find a copy.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now sadly out of print, this rare 1982 history of Normandy before 1066, is superb - great attention given to the sources.
It traces the duchy from its’ time under Rollo, arguing strongly that most Scandinavian aspects of rule and culture were lost; instead many Carolingian features of the area survived.
Of particular interest is the attempt to trace the lineages of key Norman families, who would come to dominate in post 1066 England.
The pre-1066 history of Normandy is very relevant to the study of post 1066 Government, Church and control in England.
Thoroughly enjoyable.