William the Conqueror's Mistakes During the Invasions of England

William the Conqueror (1028-1087) is a pivotal figure in English history, known for his military prowess and the dramatic changes he brought to the land and its people. However, his approach to the conquest and subsequent rule of England was fraught with significant mistakes that fostered long-lasting resentment among the English populace. This article explores the questionable decisions made by William the Conqueror during his invasion and conquest of England, drawing comparisons to the policies of his Viking predecessor, Cnut, to highlight the stark differences in their approaches.

Comparison with Cnut's Policies

Cnut the Great, who reigned in the early 11th century, provides a useful point of comparison. After his conquest of England around 958, Cnut adopted a more conciliatory approach, which facilitated smoother governance and reduced the risk of uprising. One of Cnut's notable acts of reconciliation was the remembrance and reburying of the body of Archbishop Aelfheah with great ceremony at Canterbury. This was a gesture of respect and forgiveness towards the English, past victims of Danish aggression. Additionally, Cnut incorporated some English nobles into his administration, signaling a desire for integration and cooperation. A key example is his marriage to an Anglo-Saxon noblewoman, Emma of Normandy, immediately after the invasion of 1016. This political move aimed to placate the English and secure their loyalty.

William the Conqueror's Lapses in Ingratiation

William, by contrast, did little to ingratiate himself to the English. Following his conquest in 1066, he made several decisions that resulted in widespread resentment and numerous uprisings. Unlike Cnut, William did not promote or integrate English nobles into his administration. Instead, he systematically removed English individuals from positions of power, which alienated the local leadership. The sheer number of castles constructed throughout England under William's rule, primarily motte and bailey structures, is a testament to his desire to assert military control. These fortifications were not merely defensive; they were also tools of oppression, aimed at keeping the English populace in a state of subjugation.

One of William's most controversial and oppressive actions was the Harrying of the North in 1069. This brutal campaign, often portrayed as a desperate measure to suppress rebellion, resulted in the starvation and mass slaughter of the northern population. Historians debate whether this was a planned response to rebellion or a more calculated act to instill fear and submission. While the Harrying of the North may have been aimed at deterring future uprisings, it had devastating consequences on the civilian population and further solidified English resentment towards William's rule.

William's Economic Exploitation

Another significant mistake made by William the Conqueror was his exploitation of England's wealth through the establishment of the Domesday Book in 1086. This comprehensive survey of the land holdings in England was a means to systematically alienate the English nobility and redistribute land to Norman settlers. The Domesday Book served as a tool to consolidate power and extract maximum financial benefit from the English, leaving them little choice but to become serfs in William's feudal system. It is debatable whether such harsh measures were necessary if his primary goal was to maintain order and secure loyalty.

Questions of Intent and Necessity

The question remains: were these decisions made by William the Conqueror intentional or reactive? Historians often debate whether William anticipated the extent of English resentment and planned accordingly, or whether his policies were a direct response to the fierce opposition he faced. The cost of building a vast network of castles, especially in areas prone to rebellion, must have been considerable. Did these fortresses serve as both a symbol of military might and a practical tool for maintaining order, or were they overbuilt responses to perceived threats?

Overall, the mistakes made by William the Conqueror during his invasion and conquest of England reflect a significant lapse in his ability to win the hearts and minds of the English people. His decisions to alienate English leaders, brutalize the population, and exploit their wealth through heavy taxation created long-lasting resentment and opposition. While ultimately successful in establishing Norman rule, these strategies were not without their costs and consequences, which continue to shape our understanding of this tumultuous period in English history.