William's army was not composed solely of Norman knights. While the core of the army was made up of Normans, it also included soldiers from other regions, including mercenaries from Brittany, Flanders, and even Scandinavia. This diverse force helped to create a well-rounded army capable of confronting the English on their home turf.

 The Domesday Book Was His Idea

One of William's most enduring legacies is the Domesday Book, a massive survey of England's landholdings and resources. Commissioned in 1085, this book was created to assess the wealth of the land, which would help William effectively manage his new kingdom. The Domesday Book is one of the most important historical documents of the medieval period and is still used by historians today to study the social and economic conditions of 11th-century England.

  He Was Known for His Ruthlessness

William’s methods during the conquest were often brutal. He employed scorched-earth tactics, burning villages and crops to weaken his enemies and reduce their ability to resist. After his victory, he carried out the harrowing Harrying of the North (1069-70), in which large parts of Northern England were destroyed to suppress rebellion. This was one of the bloodiest campaigns of the entire conquest.

  William Never Fully Conquered Wales or Scotland

Despite his success in England, William's control over Wales and Scotland was never absolute. While he made several attempts to bring Wales under Norman rule, the rugged terrain and fierce resistance from Welsh leaders meant that they remained largely independent. Similarly, while he launched raids into Scotland, the northern kingdom remained largely outside of his control. shutdown123