Normans - build up to the battle of hastings

Edward the Confessor

died in 1066, left no heir / william, harold godwinson - both promised the throne / edgard atheling, harold hardrada - family and historical claims

the witan

assembly of important people - advised the king and witnessed new laws

why william thought he should be king

harold visited normand in 1064 and swore an oath to support william, edward promised the crown, had support from the church

why harold thought he should be king

edward’s brother in law, richest man, edward’s sub-regulus, had support from the wittan, edward promised the crown

Battle of Stamford Bridge, 1066

harold godwinson vs tostig and harald hardrada - saxon victory

battle of hastings, 1066

saxons rushed from stamford bridge to hastings

9,000 normans, 7,000 saxons - mainly fyrd

normans feigned retreat - broke the shield wall