WRITE AN ARGUMENTATIVE TEXT

1066 was a key turning point in the history of the Northern Europe. When Edward the Confessor died, leaving no heirs, his brother in law Harold pretended the throne. But Normandy, in the North of France, the Duke William claimed that Edward had left the throne to him. 1066 marked the date of the Norman Conquest. Indeed, in this year William fought Harold at Hastings. The battle is recorded in the Bayeux tapestry, representing some pictures that are made by weaving coloured wool onto heavy cloth.

Why is this date so important in the history of Northern Europe? Because it marked the first and last conquest of England, not even Hitler was able to conquer the English.

In addition, William was called “The Conqueror” to underline the importance of the date. William was a great king: he introduced the feudal system and a new language, Norman French. Feudalism implied a pyramidal system by king allotted territories to his barons. To control each piece of land, William decided to make an economic survey, that was concluded in 1086. It is the Domesday Book.

Norman French was spoken at court, while peasants spoke Old English and clergy and lawyers spoke Latin.

In conclusion this date is considered important because it meant a change not only in Anglo-Saxon culture but also in the life of all Europe.