Abstract
Hostility dominated the relations between the Normans and the English during the Middle Ages. Peace between the two ethnic groups proved unattainable, and the animosity lingered well into the 12th century. Yet by the end of the 12th century, this hostile state of affairs was altered beyond recognition. Ethnic distinctions had broken down to the point that one could not know who was English and who was Norman. Although Norman French continued to be spoken, at least as a second language, until the 14th century, the aristocracy of England, descended in large measure from the conquerors, came to identify itself firmly as English. In fact, the two peoples merged quite quickly. Despite Norman victory and the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of the conquerors, Normanitas, the identity of the ruling dynasty and its chief warriors, eventually ceded to the Englishness of the conquered people. These are the processes with which this book is concerned.