The complicated political relations between England and Fran…
The complicated political relations between England and France were exacerbated when the Norman, William the Conqueror, defeated Harold Godwinson at in 1066 and claimed the English throne (essentially giving control of the English kingdom to a Frenchman). William was fortunate, as Harold Godwinson’s army had been depleted during a major battle against his brother and Norway’s King Harald Hardrada in the previous weeks.