The 1066 real estate revolution: How one man reshaped land ownership in England

On September 28, 1066, William, Duke of Normandy, landed at Pevensey in southern England with an invasion force of around 7,000 men, including 2,000-3,000 cavalry. His arrival marked the beginning of the final phase of his bid for the English throne, but it was his subsequent conquest and consolidation of power that transformed the ownership and administration of land across England.William defeated King Harold II at the Battle of Senlac, near Hastings, on October 14. He was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066.The conquest was followed by a major redistribution of land. According to the Royal Family's account of William I, his wholesale confiscation of land from English nobles and their heirs allowed him to grant land tenancy to Norman, French and Flemish allies in return for military service.William transferred land from nobles who had not supported him to Norman barons who had backed his conquest.