Short course
‘The Last Judgement of God’ – William the Conqueror
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Dates and time:
30/09/2026 - 02/12/202610:30 - 12:30
Study format:
In-person weekly
Fees:
£315.00
William the Conqueror was born in Normandy in 1027, the illegitimate son of Duke Robert I and his mistress Herleva. On the untimely death of his father in 1035, William became duke at the age eight. A turbulent childhood was rapidly followed by him maturing into a formidable leader and warrior as an adolescent . The young duke was able to weld Normandy into a coherent, powerful duchy and resist all attacks from both inside and outside the duchy's boundaries. By 1066 under William, Normandy had become one of the most important and feared domains in France and the Low Countries. After the Battle of Hastings William became King England, as well as retaining his title as Duke of Normandy. He was the founder of a line of monarchs of which King Charles III is the latest member.
William's reign transformed England politically, economically, socially and militarily. Starting with the ruthless suppression of the Anglo-Saxons who rebelled against his rule; the transference of 95% of English lands into Norman and allied hands and the creation of the great Domesday survey of England and its new landholders. Such was the thoroughness of The Domesday Book that it was compared to The Last Judgement of God, furthermore William's victory at Hastings was attributed to divine judgement.
William built castles throughout the country in order to cement his hold on England and later parts of Wales and Scotland. The Anglo-Saxon church too was altered beyond recognition, both physically and structurally. Most English religious houses were rebuilt on a grand scale in the new Romanesque style (Norman), previously only found in continental Europe. Their leaders and many of their clerical inhabitants were removed and replaced by French men and women.
Norman French and Latin became the languages of the court, government, the church and commerce. Eventually Old English was replaced by Middle English – a mixture of Old English and Norman French which became the language of literature and of the people. Some of these dramatic changes evolved after William's death, but his victory over the English in 1066 was the catalyst that was ultimately responsible for all of them.
Despite William's historical predominance he remains an enigmatic figure We know that he was both pious and brutal and difficult to love. Over the centuries attitudes to William have changed often in line with the current political environment, but in many respects he remains a shadowy figure. In this course will will trace his life with all its vicissitudes, from his birth in Falaise 1n 1027 through to his death in 1087 in Normandy and assess his legacy as Duke, King and Conqueror. There will be a field trip in week three, October 14th, the 940th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. Details to be announced later.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Course starts Wednesday 30 September 2026
This is an in-person course which requires your attendance at the weekly meetings in Oxford on Wednesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm.
Week 1: Normandy and England in the first half of the 11th century: Duke William to 1066
Week 2: The Battle of Hastings and the Conquest of England.
Week 3: Field trip (double session) Winchester Cathedral, Wolvesey Palace and St Cross Hospital 11am-3.30 pm
Week 4: The Kingdom changes hands; Rebellion and Repression.
Week 5: William’s chosen weapon of war, the Castle.
Week 6: The impact of the Conquest on the Anglo-Saxon church
Week 7: How did William’s victory change English language, literature and culture? The Bayeux Tapestry?
Week 8: Landscapes of the Norman Conquest
Week 9: ‘The Last Judgement of God’ – William the Conqueror’s Legacy
Please note: students will have to arrange their own transport for the field trip, and cover the cost of any entry fees.
Course aims
To assess the political, economic, social and military contribution of William the Conqueror to British and European history.
Course objectives:
1. To examine of the politics of England and France in the 11th century.
2 To critically assess William’s life.
3. To assess the Normanisation of England in the short and long-term.
Learning outcomes
1. To gain an understanding of the politics, economy, social and military structure of England and France in the 11th century.
2. To understand the main features of William’s life.
3. To understand William the Conquer’s historical contribution in the short and long-term.
Level and demands
The Department’s Weekly Classes are taught at first year undergraduate level.
Teaching methods
Lectures, seminar groups and an extended field-trip.
Assessment methods
This course is not accredited, so there are no assessments or coursework.
Dr Trevor Rowley
Trevor Rowley MA, M.Litt, FSA, was formerly Deputy Director in Oxford University,s Department for Continuing Education and before that Director of Archaeology. He is an Emeritus Fellow of Kellogg College and a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. He has published many books on landscape history and the Normans, including a biography of William the Conqueror’s half-brother, Bishop Odo of Bayeux, and an examination of the landscape of the Bayeux Tapestry. His most recent book is ‘Landscapes of the Norman Conquest’ (2022). Since retirement he has regularly taught Departmental weekly classes and Summer Schools.
Digital badge
Upon successful completion of this course, you will be issued with an official digital badge from the Department for Continuing Education, University of Oxford. In order to be issued with your badge, you will need to have attended at least 80% of the course.
After the course, you will receive an email with a link and instructions on how to download your digital badge. You will be able to add this badge to your email signature and share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | £315.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Concessionary fees for short courses
Recommended reading
Recommended reading is optional and you are not required to purchase these books to study this course.
Library facilities
All weekly class students may become borrowing members of the Rewley House Library, part of the Bodleian Libraries, for the duration of their course. Prospective students whose courses have not yet started are also welcome to use the Library for reference.
- More information about the Library can be found on the Bodleian Libraries website.
- This guide for Weekly Class students also provides further information.
Preparatory reading
- The Norman Conquest: A Very Short Introduction / Garnett G.
- The Landscape of the Norman Conquest / Rowley, Trevor
Module code: O26P430AHW
How to enrol
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page.