Normandy Before 1066

by David Bates

This book is a comprehensive history of Normandy before 1066.

Genres: History

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

[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.