Did King Harold Sail to Hastings? New Study Sparks Debate Among Historians
A new study argues that King Harold sailed south in 1066 rather than marching to Hastings, but the theory is already drawing criticism from historians.
The Men Who Fought with King Harold at Hastings
When Harold Godwinson marched to Hastings on 14 October 1066 he brought with him thousands of men. Who were these warriors and why did they fight on behalf of their king?
New Medieval Books: The Queenship of Mathilda of Flanders, c. 1031-1083
Mathilda of Flanders was the Duchess of Normandy and, following the Norman Conquest, became Queen of England. This book explores her life and achievements as one of the most powerful and influential women of the eleventh century.
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Was Edited to Favour Harold, Study Finds
New research reveals that key entries in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle were revised after 1066 to support Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne—while omitting events that could have undermined it.
Archaeologists Identify ‘Lost’ Anglo-Saxon Site Depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry
A team of archaeologists has uncovered evidence that a private home in England may stand on the site of a long-lost residence belonging to Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon King of England. Their findings suggest that this location, depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, was a major centre of power before the Norman Conquest.
Norman Conquest Coin Hoard sells for £4.3 million
A remarkable hoard of 2,584 silver coins, dating from the Norman Conquest of England, has been acquired for £4.3 million. This treasure offers rare insight into a pivotal moment in medieval history, reflecting the transition from English to Norman rule in 1066.
Hastings: An Unusual Battle
Hastings was unusual. It was unlike the vast majority of medieval battles (and, in fact, most ancient and early modern battles) in three major ways.
New Theories on the Battle of Hastings: A Shift in Location and Weather’s Role
Two recent studies are reshaping our understanding of the Battle of Hastings. One challenges the long-held belief about where the battle took place, while the other highlights the crucial role that weather played in the events of 1066.
Conquered: The Last Children of Anglo-Saxon England
The Norman Conquest is one of the most momentous events in English history and its consequences changed England forever. Indeed, the Battle of Hastings and its aftermath nearly wiped out the leading families of Anglo-Saxon England – so what happened to the children this conflict left behind?
10 Things You Should Know about William the Conqueror
A quick guide to William I (c.1028-1087), Duke of Normandy and King of England, one of the most famous rulers of the medieval era.
The Alternative Histories of the Norman Conquest of England
Have you read the version where Harold Godwinson survived the Battle of Hastings?
New source about the Norman Conquest of England discovered
It is rare to find new information about the Norman Conquest of England, but a historian has uncovered a document revealing William I’s relationship with London shortly after 1066.
10 Little Details in the Bayeux Tapestry You May Have Missed
The designer of the Bayeux Tapestry also included little details that the casual viewer might miss. Here are ten images to take a second look at.
Harald Hardrada: The Battle of Stamford Bridge
The fight for the crown of England draws Harald into one last battle.
The Battle of Hastings
Luck may characterize the Battle of Hastings better than any other battle, and William the Conqueror more than any other general.
The Battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge
How Haraldr harðráði Sigurðarson invaded England in 1066, winning the Battle of Fulford but losing the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
The Battle of Hastings
In the first episode of Bow and Blade, Kelly and Michael talk about the Battle of Hastings in 1066, where the Normans under William the Conqueror defeated Harold Godwinson.
The man who should have lost the Battle of Hastings: The Saga of Swegen Godwinson
Shouldn’t Swegen have arisen to the English kingship in 1066 and been defending the throne at Stamford Bridge and Hastings?
Norman Conquest of 1066 did little to change England’s eating habits
The story of the Norman Conquest of England has primarily been told from evidence of the elite classes of the time. But little has been known about how it affected everyday people’s lives.
Viewing the Bayeux Tapestry, Now and Then
In attempting to trace the history of the Bayeux Tapestry, it has always been the case that the simplest explanation, the one that involves the fewest imponderables and requires the fewest assumptions, is that it was designed for Bayeux cathedral.
The Bayeux Tapestry was made for Bayeux Cathedral, study finds
New research suggests the Tapestry was designed to be hung along the north, south and west sides of the nave of Bayeux Cathedral, between the west wall and choir screen.
1066 and Warfare: The Context and Place (Senlac) of the Battle of ‘Hastings’
In this essay, I shall first be extremely traditional by focusing on the battle of Hastings (or better, Senlac) and then turn briefly to what happened afterwards.
English political refugees at the court of Sveinn Ástríðarson, king of Denmark (1042-76)
After the Norman conquest in 1066 and the failed rebellions in 1069-71, some sections of the aristocracy of Anglo-Saxon England fled as far afield as the Mediterranean, the Crimea, and the Byzantine court. Other crucial members of the Anglo-Saxon elite can be found in exile, somewhat closer to home, in Denmark.
The limits of the late Anglo-Saxon state
Were there structural flaws in the late Anglo-Saxon state which contributed to its demise?