The Disruption of William the Conqueror’s Coronation on Christmas Day 1066
featured in "A Child is Born" by Jodi Taylor
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In When a Child is Born by Jodi Taylor, Max and the team from St Mary’s travel back to 1066 to witness the disruption of William the Conquerer's coronation. In this History Briefing, we explore the political circumstances that caused this.
The coronation of William the Conqueror on Christmas Day in 1066 was a moment of historic significance, marking the establishment of Norman rule in England. However, this grand event, held in Westminster Abbey, was overshadowed by confusion and panic, highlighting the tensions of a kingdom undergoing profound change. The disruption, sparked by a misunderstanding, serves as a reminder of the fragile state of Anglo-Norman relations in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest.
William’s coronation was intended to demonstrate power, unity, and legitimacy. Following his decisive victory at the Battle of Hastings in October 1066 and subsequent consolidation of power, William sought to formalise his rule in the same location where Edward the Confessor had been buried and Harold Godwinson crowned earlier that year. Westminster Abbey, with its association with Anglo-Saxon kingship, provided an ideal setting to reinforce William’s claim to the English throne and signal continuity with the traditions of the land he now controlled.
The coronation ceremony adhered to Christian rites, presided over by Aldred, Archbishop of York, in the absence of Stigand, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was viewed as illegitimate by the papacy. During the ceremony, William was anointed with holy oil, swore to uphold justice, protect the Church, and govern fairly, and was crowned King of England in front of both Norman and Anglo-Saxon nobles.
As was customary, those present were called upon to voice their acclamation of the new king. This vocal declaration of support was a key element of the ceremony, affirming William’s authority in the eyes of both his supporters and his new subjects.
The acclamation, however, became the catalyst for chaos. When the gathered nobles and clergy shouted their approval of William, the Norman soldiers stationed outside the abbey misinterpreted the loud and unfamiliar cheering as the beginning of a rebellion. Already on edge due to the hostile atmosphere of a recently conquered kingdom, the soldiers reacted swiftly and violently.
Fearing an uprising, the Normans began setting fire to houses in the vicinity of Westminster Abbey, an act intended to suppress any perceived rebellion and intimidate the local population. The fires spread quickly, throwing the streets into turmoil. As smoke and panic rose outside, the commotion disrupted the proceedings within the abbey.
The confusion outside the abbey permeated the atmosphere inside. Accounts suggest that the disruption left many attendees alarmed, and the ceremony continued amidst an uneasy tension. William himself is said to have been visibly shaken, a stark contrast to the image of unshakable authority he sought to project. Nonetheless, the coronation was completed, and William was officially crowned King of England, though the chaos underscored the volatile and precarious nature of his rule at its outset.
The disruption of William’s coronation reflects the broader tensions between the Normans and the Anglo-Saxon population. The Normans, as occupiers in a newly conquered land, were acutely aware of their vulnerable position. The Anglo-Saxon populace, many of whom viewed William as a foreign usurper, harboured resentment and suspicion toward their new ruler and his supporters.
The misunderstanding also highlights the cultural and linguistic divides between the Normans and the English. The shouting of acclamations, a familiar and traditional part of English coronations, was perceived by the Normans as a hostile act, a misunderstanding that emphasised the challenges William would face in uniting a deeply divided kingdom.
The chaos of William’s coronation did little to dampen his long-term success as king, but it set the tone for the early years of his reign. In the decade following his coronation, William faced numerous uprisings and rebellions, necessitating a combination of military suppression, strategic alliances, and the imposition of Norman culture and governance to consolidate his power.
The disruption also became emblematic of the Norman Conquest’s immediate impact on England: a period of turmoil, cultural clashes, and resistance. Over time, however, the Norman influence would profoundly shape English society, language, and governance, leaving a lasting legacy.
The disruption of William the Conqueror’s coronation on Christmas Day in 1066 offers a glimpse into the volatile environment of post-conquest England. While the ceremony symbolised William’s ascendancy, the chaos surrounding it underscored the challenges he faced in securing his rule. Despite the momentary disorder, William’s coronation marked the beginning of a new chapter in English history, one that would transform the nation in ways still felt today. Discover how Max and the team from St Mary’s fared in London on Christmas Day 1066 by reading “When a Child is Born.”
A Chronicles of St Mary's short story that is sure to entertain. If you love Jasper Fforde or Ben Aaronovitch, you won't be able to resist Jodi Taylor.
It's Christmas Day 1066 and a team from St Mary's is going to witness the coronation of William the Conqueror. Or so they think...
However, History seems to have different plans for them and when Max finds herself delivering a child in a peasant's hut, she can't help wondering what History is up to.