THE CONQUEST OF ENGLAND BY WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR
(1066)
Reminder
The region of Normandy had been granted to the Viking Rollon in 911 by Charles the Simple (one of last Carolingian kings) to end the exactions of the Vikings by “settling” them officially in a territory that they already controlled in the facts since 896. In 1066, Guillaume de Normandie, who will become “William the Conqueror”, is the duke of Normandy.
The context
The succession of the English king Edouard the Confessor, dead without heir on the 5th of January 1066, provokes a conflict between his cousin Guillaume de Normandie and his brother-in-law Harold. Harold is crowned king of England from the next day whereas Guillaume claims being the heir appointed of the king of England: this last one asserts that Harold had sworn on relics that he would recognize Guillaume as the successor. Harold claims to have been deceived on the value of the oath, which would have been only a vague promis. Skillful politics, “Guillaume de Normandie also called ‘Guillaume le batard’” exploits Harold’s betrayal, graver sin for a Christian by making him excommunicate by the
1. Paul ZUMTHOR, Guillaume le Conquérant, Tallandier, Poche, 2003, (p. 32.)
2. []Harold Godwinson then Harold II of England (1022 - October 14th, 1066) was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. He reigned between January 5th and October 14th of 1066. He dies during the battle of Hastings.
3. Michel de BOUARD, Guillaume le Conquerant, Fayard (French Edition), 1984, (p. 122.)
4. Jean de LA VARENDE, Guillaume le batard, conquérant, Union bibliophile de France, 1946, chap. 8, (p. 181-199.)
Pope: it is thus that Guillaume prepares the attack of England from Normandy. An army from 6000 to 7000 soldiers is so constituted, including many Lords and knights of all France who desire fiefs across the Channel.
Description of the battle
The Norman’s landing
After 6 to 8 months of