Introduction
When William, Duke of Normandy, seized the English crown from Harold Godwinson in 1066, many Englishmen were unwilling to recognise their new Norman overlords. They turned first to friends in Scandinavia; when that failed, some set sail for Constantinople in the hope of enlisting the support of the Roman Empire.
THE English deeply lamented the loss of their freedom, and took secret counsel how they might best shake off a yoke so insupportable, and to which they were so little accustomed. They accordingly sent a message to Sweyn, King of Denmark, entreating him to take measures for recovering the crown of England, which his ancestors Sweyn and Canute had formerly won by their victorious arms.*
Some went into voluntary exile, either to free themselves from the domination of their Norman masters, or for the purpose of obtaining foreign aid to renew the contest with their conquerors. Some, the very flower of the English youth, made their way to distant regions,* and served valiantly in the armies of Alexius, emperor of Constantinople, a prince of great sagacity and astonishing munificence.*
Sweyn II (r. 1047-1076), was a nephew of Cnut (Canute) the Great, King of England (r. 1016-1035); Cnut’s father was Sweyn Forkbeard, King of Denmark (r. 988-1014). Sweyn II came up against William in 1069, supported by Edgar the Atheling, who arguably had the best claim to the crown. See Edward the Exile. The invaders captured York but William bought Sweyn off. Sweyn, who evidently subscribed to the traditional view of Danegeld, made a second attempt in 1074-5 but it came to nothing, and he died the following year.
Other sources add a little colour. We know from the Laon Chronicle that one Hardigt rose to be captain of the Imperial fleet; Goscelin tells us that that a native of Canterbury moved to Constantinople, did very well for himself in the army and at court, and founded a church in honour of St Augustine of Canterbury and St Nicholas of Myra. See Home from Home. The Laon Chronicle also mentions an Englishman owning a church in the city, and calls him Coleman.
Alexius Komnenos (r. 1081-1118) reversed the failing fortunes of the Roman Empire, and restored economic and military strength despite repeated attacks from the Normans, based in Italy to the west, and the Seljuk Turks to the east. The Imperial capital had since 330 been at Constantinople, modern-day Istanbul.
Précis
After the Norman Invasion of 1066, Englishmen unwilling to serve their new masters turned to King Sweyn of Denmark. When hopes of an invasion came to nothing, many left the country, some for as far afield as Constantinople and the Roman Empire, where the Emperor Alexius welcomed them into his armed forces. (52 / 60 words)
After the Norman Invasion of 1066, Englishmen unwilling to serve their new masters turned to King Sweyn of Denmark. When hopes of an invasion came to nothing, many left the country, some for as far afield as Constantinople and the Roman Empire, where the Emperor Alexius welcomed them into his armed forces.
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Variations: 1.increase the length of this precis to exactly 55 words. 2.reduce the length of this precis to exactly 45 words. 3.introduce one of the following words into the precis: if, just, may, not, or, otherwise, unless, whereas.
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Suggest answers to this question. See if you can limit one answer to exactly seven words.
Why did so many Englishmen emigrate in the late 11th century?
Suggestion
To escape rule by the Norman invaders. (7 words)
Variations: 1.expand your answer to exactly fourteen words. 2.expand your answer further, to exactly twenty-one words. 3.include one of the following words in your answer: if, but, despite, because, (al)though, unless.
Jigsaws Based on this passage
Express the ideas below in a single sentence. Do not be satisfied with the first answer you think of; think of several, and choose the best.
William of Normandy conquered England in 1066. He claimed the crown. Some said he had no right to it.