Lead your invasion with these new Norman Characters.
Duke William of Normandy, also known as William the Conqueror, was a pivotal figure in European history. Born in 1028, he became Duke of Normandy in 1035. William's claim to the English throne was based on a promise allegedly made by King Edward the Confessor and his familial ties to Edward. In 1066, after King Harold Godwinson ascended the English throne, William launched an invasion to assert his claim.
William's forces landed in England and decisively defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. Following this victory, William was crowned King of England on Christmas Day, 1066. His reign marked the beginning of Norman rule in England, bringing significant cultural, political, and social changes.
William implemented feudalism, redistributed land to his Norman followers, and commissioned the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of his new kingdom. His reign established a legacy of strong centralized governance and profoundly influenced the development of England and its legal and social structures. William the Conqueror died in 1087, leaving a lasting impact on both Normandy and England.
Bishop Odo of Bayeux was a prominent Norman cleric and nobleman, born around 1036. He was the half-brother of William the Conqueror and played a significant role in both the ecclesiastical and secular affairs of Norman England. Appointed Bishop of Bayeux in 1049, Odo was also made Earl of Kent after the Norman Conquest in 1066, reflecting his close relationship with William.
Odo was a key supporter of William's invasion of England and is believed to have contributed ships to the effort. He fought alongside William at the Battle of Hastings, where he may have served in a dual role as a warrior and spiritual leader, depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry as encouraging the Norman troops.
As Earl of Kent, Odo held considerable power and was involved in numerous administrative and military activities. However, his ambition led to conflicts with other nobles and eventually with William himself. In 1082, he was imprisoned by William for allegedly plotting to take control of the papacy.
Despite his imprisonment, Odo was released upon William's death in 1087 and briefly supported Robert Curthose in his rebellion against William II (Rufus). Odo's later years were marked by his continued involvement in the power struggles of the time until his death in Palermo, Sicily, in 1097. His legacy is a mix of religious influence and secular ambition, prominently remembered through the Bayeux Tapestry.
Turstin FitzRolf was a Norman knight who played a notable role in the Norman Conquest of England. He was a loyal supporter of William the Conqueror and is best known for his participation in the Battle of Hastings in 1066. According to various historical sources, Turstin served as the standard-bearer for William during the battle, a position of great trust and honor, indicating his close relationship with the Duke.
After the successful conquest, Turstin FitzRolf was rewarded with lands in England for his service. These grants of land helped to secure Norman control and influence over the newly conquered territories. His contributions to William's victory at Hastings and his subsequent role in consolidating Norman rule exemplify the loyalty and military prowess of William's key supporters.
Turstin FitzRolf's legacy is primarily remembered through his association with the pivotal events of 1066 and his role in the establishment of Norman dominance in England. His life reflects the broader narratives of loyalty, reward, and the restructuring of English society following the Norman Conquest.
Models supplied unassembled and unpainted
