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Crossing the sea to England: Maritime considerations of the Norman invasion in 1066

21 November 2023, 6:15 pm–7:15 pm

Picture of two building porticos merged together (UCL and the British Museum)

The next event in the 2023-24 UCL Institute of Archaeology/British Museum Medieval Seminar Series, will be given by Rebecca Tyson (University of Bristol) on 21 November.

This event is free.

Event Information

Open to

All

Availability

Yes

Cost

Free

Organiser

Iain MacDonald

Location

Room 612
UCL Institute of Archaeology
31-34 Gordon Square
London
WC1H 0PY
United Kingdom

Abstract

The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 is probably the most famous event in English history and has been the recipient of prolonged and active academic enquiry. However, there are key elements of the narrative which are still unclear, such as details of the environmental knowledge and logistical management required for the Channel crossing itself. The question remains: how did Duke William of Normandy assemble a fleet suitable to transport soldiers, horses, supporting personnel, and provisions, and successfully cross the sea to invade a rich and well-organised island kingdom? In this talk, Rebecca will share her ongoing doctoral research which explores the practical considerations required for undertaking the cross-Channel invasion, Normandy’s wider eleventh-century maritime history, and some of the insights that a multidisciplinary, and specifically environmental, approach can offer to the study of the Norman invasion.

The Medieval Seminar Series is sponsored by the World Archaeology Section at the UCL Institute of Archaeology and the British Museum. 

Seminar Series Convenors:

Meetings Secretary: