"Normans! But Bastard Normans! Norman bastards!" cries the Duke of Bourbon in Shakespeare's Henry V, not exactly pleased that those he viewed as barbarians, the Norman-English, were overrunning his land. But the Normans, who were of Viking heritage, should be recognized for more than their military prowess; they should also be remembered as rather clever administrators. In England, for example, de Glanville and other advisors to King Henry II (1154-1189) are regarded as some of the fathers of modern law, having founded a system of traveling courts. Although the courts functioned as much to replenish the exchequer as to establish justice, these "Norman bastards" clearly had a lot more up their sleeve than simply pillaging or conquering.

England was not the only land the Normans vanquished, nor was it the only realm they commanded with profound capacity. Much less known than the adventure of 1066 is their earlier subjugation and rule of Sicily and southern Italy. Their uncommonly liberal government, which allowed for religious freedom and cultural expression, made their court the most enlightened of Europe. The artistic creations from this age are splendid indeed, attested by the Cathedrals at Cefalù and Palermo, the Norman Palace in Palermo, and the marvelous Abbey of Monreale. The occasional blonde among the dark Sicilian population is physical proof of the island's Norman legacy.