History Extra Podcast: The Second Norman Conquest

Release Date: December 30, 2024

Introduction

In this episode of the History Extra Podcast, hosted by Sophie Ambler and Fiona Edmunds from Lancaster University, the conversation delves into the often-overlooked chapter of the Norman expansion—the Second Norman Conquest. Produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine, this episode uncovers the intricate history of the Kingdom of Cumbria and its eventual incorporation into the English state under William Rufus in the 1090s.

The Kingdom of Cumbria: An Independent Realm

[02:58] Fiona Edmunds introduces the concept of the Second Norman Conquest, emphasizing that William of Normandy's 1066 invasion did not fully subjugate England. She explains, “the kingdom of Cumbria at the time of the 1066 Conquest was an independent kingdom” ([02:58]). This area, corresponding to modern-day Cumbria in northwest England, remained autonomous, distinct from the Anglo-Saxon state conquered by William the Conqueror.

[04:54] Sophie Ambler provides a historical overview of Cumbria’s origins, tracing its roots back to the Kingdom of Strathclyde. She notes, “the first reference we have to it... is in 945, when an entity known as Cumbra Land or Land of the Cumbrians... remains autonomous after 945” ([04:54]). Despite pressures from emerging English and Scottish kingdoms, Cumbria maintained its independence until the late 11th century.

Sources and Evidence: Limited Texts and Emerging Archaeology

The scarcity of written sources about Cumbria is a significant challenge for historians. [06:53] Sophie Ambler discusses the reliance on external chronicles from English, Scottish, Irish, and Welsh writers, highlighting the multilingual nature of Cumbria: “it had been extremely multilingual... a meeting place of many languages and many cultures” ([06:53]).

Fiona adds, “we do rely to some extent on chronicles that are written outside the kingdom” ([06:53]), underscoring the difficulties in reconstructing Cumbria’s history from internal sources. However, archaeological findings, such as excavations at Lauva near Penrith, are beginning to shed light on the Norman presence in the region, suggesting the establishment of Norman settlements and castles ([30:35]).

The Second Norman Conquest Under William Rufus

[18:06] Fiona Edmunds shifts the focus to the pivotal events of 1066 and beyond. William the Conqueror’s campaign, known as the Harrying of the North, devastated Yorkshire but notably did not extend to Cumbria ([21:40]). This omission indicates Cumbria’s distinct political status.

[24:57] Sophie Ambler explains William Rufus’s motivations for conquering Cumbria in 1092: “the safest way of securing his kingship of England was to eliminate contenders for the throne... which meant taking control of the kingdom of Cumbria” ([24:57]). This conquest was twofold—politically to suppress threats to his rule and culturally as part of the broader Norman ambition to expand their territories.

[28:11] Sophie Ambler further elaborates on the Norman drive for conquest: “Normans conquer. That's what they do... they are competing with each other as to who can conquer the most” ([28:11]). William Rufus’s efforts in Cumbria were part of this relentless pursuit of territorial expansion.

Integration into the English State and Border Formation

[32:17] Bob Dylan Narrator (as part of the transcript) details the administrative changes post-conquest: “the counties of Cumberland and Westmoreland by 1130... were answering to Norman government at Westminster” ([32:17]). This marks Cumbria’s formal incorporation into the Anglo-Norman state, although it took time for Norman administrative structures to take root fully.

[36:29] Fiona Edmunds discusses the complexities of border formation between England and Scotland, highlighting that boundaries were far from fixed: “the memory of the Cumbrian kingdom is undoubtedly influencing events in the 12th century as well” ([36:29]). The episode underscores that the current England-Scotland border was a protracted outcome of centuries of negotiation and conflict, rather than an inevitable delineation.

Legacy and Modern Implications

In the concluding segments, [41:13] Fiona Edmunds and [41:40] Sophie Ambler reflect on the enduring legacy of Cumbria’s unique history. Sophie asserts, “thinking about this second conquest of Cumbria... should be a reminder to us not to allow that centre of gravity to pull us always towards English history” ([41:40]). This perspective encourages a more nuanced understanding of England’s regional histories, recognizing the distinct identities that have shaped modern Britain.

Fiona adds, “the far north of England... was quite sparsely populated, had a very different agricultural economy” ([41:13]), emphasizing how historical regional differences continue to influence contemporary cultural and social landscapes.

Conclusion

This episode of the History Extra Podcast meticulously uncovers the Second Norman Conquest, shedding light on Cumbria’s pivotal role in medieval British history. Through expert analysis and emerging archaeological evidence, Sophie Ambler and Fiona Edmunds illustrate how Cumbria’s integration into the English state was a complex, multi-faceted process that has left a lasting imprint on the region’s identity and the broader narrative of English history.

Listeners interested in further exploring the Norman Conquest and its ramifications are encouraged to check out related episodes, such as “Everything You Want to Know” featuring Mark Morris, available through the podcast’s description.

Notable Quotes:

• Fiona Edmunds [02:58]: “the kingdom of Cumbria at the time of the 1066 Conquest was an independent kingdom.”

• Sophie Ambler [06:53]: “it had been extremely multilingual... a meeting place of many languages and many cultures.”

• Sophie Ambler [24:57]: “the safest way of securing his kingship of England was to eliminate contenders for the throne... which meant taking control of the kingdom of Cumbria.”

• Sophie Ambler [28:11]: “Normans conquer. That's what they do... they are competing with each other as to who can conquer the most.”

• Sophie Ambler [41:40]: “should be a reminder to us not to allow that centre of gravity to pull us always towards English history.”

This podcast episode was produced by Daniel Kramer, with insights from Professor Fiona Edmunds and Dr. Sophie Ambler of Lancaster University.