Battle of Hastings: Winner Takes All

1066 And All That Redux Part Three







“This was a fatal day to England, and melancholy havoc was wrought in our dear country during the change of its lords.” -William of Malmesbury, The Battle of Hastings, 12th Century





Normans knights crash into the English Shieldwall at the Battle of Hastings

At the beginning of October 1066, King Harold Godwinson of England was sitting pretty. Through dedicated vigilance, he had successfully defended his kingdom from would-be invaders. He had kept the national militia, the fyrd, in service much longer than any king before him. He had turned the military world on its ear with his epic dash from London to York in just four days with an army in tow. He had completely destroyed a large Viking army led by one of the most fearsome warlords of the day.





A Saxon Spearman Awaits the Norman Conquest

It would seem that nothing was beyond this resourceful man’s capabilities. Then news came as he was celebrating his victory in York …