1066

Page 4 of 7

• 1. Claims to the throne
• 2. Harold becomes king
• 3. Stamford Bridge
• 4. Pevensey landings
• 5. The Battle of Hastings
• 6. King William
• 7. Find out more
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Pevensey landings

This was the point at which William acted. Having sailed his fleet to St Valéry sur Somme, he waited for the wind to be in the right direction, and two days after Stamford Bridge, he sailed. His fleet consisted of almost 700 ships of classic Norse design, headed by the Mora, which is depicted on the Bayeux tapestry with a carved dragon figurehead on its prow, and a trumpeter sounding signals at its stern.

'...the Normans pillaged and burned the surrounding area...'

Most sources claim that William's forces made landfall at Pevensey, but this may just be because Pevensey was the best-known port on the southern English shore. Recent work by amateur archaeologist Nick Austin suggests he may have found the actual site of William's landing, and first encampments, at Wilting Manor, outside Hastings. Once ashore, William ordered that some of his boats be symbolically burnt, while the rest were dismantled and pulled ashore.

An earth embankment was built across the harbour mouth to protect the ships from the weather, and a castle was constructed at the top of the hill. The remnants of these may still be seen today. Then the Normans pillaged and burned the surrounding area, in order to force Harold to come south and defend his people.

Harold did not hesitate. Having heard of William's landing while at York, he raced his army down the old Roman road of Ermine Street, stopping on the way at his foundation of Waltham Abbey, to pray for victory. By 12 October, he was back in London and gathering what forces he could to face William. By the 14th, he was on the way to Hastings.

William received news of Harold's approach from Vitalis - a prominent vassal of Odo of Bayeux, who is depicted on the Bayeux tapestry bringing the message - and marched out to face the English king.

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Published: 2001-05-01