1066

THE EVENTS OF 1066 **//__ Change of the Kings in England __//** The events of the rather interesting year of 1066 started with Edward the Confessor, King of England, dying. He was buried at the new cathedral at Westminster. A man named Harold was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey by Anglican Archbishops Stigand of Canterbury and Aldred of York. Many people were scared at this time because the kings were changing and Halley’s Comet was passing over, which is an omen of doom to come. **//__ William of Normandy __//** William of Normandy saw the commotion and fear in England so he decided to raise an army to try and conquer this prized land. First he had to make sure he had support from his nobles and most importantly, God. He consulted his nobles and made sure they were loyal and true to the cause. Then William sent an envoy to the Pope for his blessing. **//__ The Preparation __//** William mustered his forces from around Normandy and they gathered at Saint-Valery-Sur-Somme on the coast. They could have crossed on the 12th of August but they were delayed, either by bad weather or the didn’t want to be intercepted by the English fleet. They then crossed a few days later and landed at Pevensey in Sussex. They built a castle at Hastings and pillaged the nearby lands. **//__ Danish Raid of York __//** The Danes at that time were trying to capture north eastern England. They sent 300 ships with around 15,000 troops on them. The Danes won the Battle of Fulford and then captured York. Harold was down on the southern coast with a huge army waiting for the Normans, so when he got the news that York had been captured he rushed north, gathering troops on the way. Harold faced the Danes in the bloody Battle of Stamford Bridge. The English army won but suffered heavy casualties and they were very bruised and battered.

The Battle of Hastings
=Once Harold got news that the Normans had arrived, he had no choice but to fight a battle. The number of men of each side was a big difference and the battle was an advantage to the Normans.= =Harold was relying on the English shield-wall. The Normans launched themselves against this shield. After a while it was the turning point of the battle. The wall had been broken and so the Normans were able to get through. The whole battle was described on the Bayeux Tapestry. Harold’s remaining brothers, Gryth and Leofwine was cut down on the Tapestry and Harold was soon to follow.=

**//__ King William __//** After the battle of Hastings, William kept his army in Hastings for a week. William then marched his way through south-eastern England towards the London Bridge. Finally William arrived at Wallingford. The bishops and thegns surrendered to William and the gates of Wallingford were opened to him. By Christmas day every earl and Archbishop had surrendered to William, who was crowned by Archbishop Ealdred. William chose to be crowned at the same place as King Harold on purpose, which was significant. From this day on King William will start a completely new era for England. BY Chris and Jacky ! ! !