ANGLO NORMAN PERIOD

The Anglo-Norman period refers to the historical era in England following the Norman Conquest of 1066, when William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, successfully invaded England and established Norman rule. This period lasted until approximately the late 12th century. Here are some major literary works from the Anglo-Norman period: 1. **"The Bayeux Tapestry"**: While not a literary work in the traditional sense, the Bayeux Tapestry is a remarkable piece of art that depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It provides valuable insight into the historical and cultural context of the Anglo-Norman period. 2. **"Domesday Book"**: Commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1085, the Domesday Book is a comprehensive survey of England and its landholdings, providing invaluable information about the social, economic, and administrative structure of the country in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest. 3. **Anglo-Norman Chronicle**: Several chronicles were written during the Anglo-Norman period, documenting historical events and political developments. These chronicles, such as the "Anglo-Saxon Chronicle" and the "Peterborough Chronicle," offer firsthand accounts of life in England during this time. 4. **"Brut" by Layamon**: "Brut" is an epic poem written in Middle English by the poet Layamon, who lived during the late 12th and early 13th centuries. It is a retelling of the legend of King Arthur and the history of Britain, drawing on earlier sources such as Geoffrey of Monmouth's "Historia Regum Britanniae." 5. **"The History of the Kings of Britain" by Geoffrey of Monmouth**: Although written in Latin, Geoffrey of Monmouth's influential work "Historia Regum Britanniae" (History of the Kings of Britain) had a significant impact on Anglo-Norman literature. It popularized the legends of King Arthur and Merlin, shaping the Arthurian literary tradition for centuries to come. 6. **"The Battle of Maldon"**: This Old English poem recounts the Battle of Maldon, which took place in 991 between the Anglo-Saxons and the Vikings. While not strictly from the Anglo-Norman period, it reflects the cultural and linguistic transition occurring in England during this time. These works provide valuable insights into the historical, cultural, and literary landscape of the Anglo-Norman period, showcasing the convergence of Norman and Anglo-Saxon influences in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest.