By Dom and Michelle 1066 & THE BAYEUX TAPESTRY

WHO WAS EDWARD THE CONFESSOR & WHEN DID HE DIE? Edward the confessor was the son of Ethelred the Unready and Emma of Normandy. Edward was the next to last Anglo-Saxon king of the English and the last of the House of Wessex, ruling from 1042 to Edward the confessor died in 1066.

WHO SHOULD BE KING? Edgar the Athleing. Edgar the Athleing thought that he should be King because he was the only son of Edward the Exile, heir to the English throne, and was a grandson of King Edmund II. Tostig. Tostig thought that he should be King because he was Edward’s brother- in-law so he should be King. He also thought that his brother Harold Godwinsson should be King because he was Edward’s brother-in-law too. Harald Hardradar. Harald Hardradar thought that he should be King because he though that Vikings shold rule the thone again but he had no direct heir. Harold Godwinsson. Harold Godwinsson thought that he should be King because William. thought that he should be King because he was also Edward’s brother-in-law and Earl of Wessex. William. William believed that Edward had promised him the throne before he died for helping him put down the rebellion by Harold Godwinsson.

WHO DID BECOME KING IN 1066 & HOW DID THIS HAPPEN? William became king in 1066 because he won the battle of Hastings against Harold Godwinesons army. Williams army was trained for war battle and equipped with proper weapons.

WHERE DID THE 2 FAMOUS BATTLES OF 1066? The first major battle in 1066 was the battle at Stamford Bridge on September 25 th, This was a battle between Harold Godwineson and Tostig and Harald Hadrada. Harold Godwineson defeated Tostig and Harald Hadrada at this battle. The famous battle which declared who would be king was at the battle of Hastings on the 14 th of October. This legendary battle was between Harold Godwineson and William. When William saw Haley’s comet he saw it as sign and good luck. So William headed to Pevensey in Southern England. When Harold heard of this he and his troops headed south. Both armies met on a field near Hastings. William’s army was extremely well trained, riding on horseback and equipped with proper armour. Though Harold’s army was untrained farmers.

WHY WAS 1066 SUCH AN IMPORTANNT YEAR? 1066 was a very important time in the England. This was time for the Vikings to be over ruled or continue to rule. Because of Edward the Confessor death with no heir it left the throne wide for grabs, anyone could claim to want to rule England, one of the wealthiest lands. The fact that anyone could claim the throne leads to many battles, which lead to a new ruler of England.

a. Place where the Normans landed on the English coast… The Normans landed on the English coast in Pevensey, in Southern England. b. A Group of advisors to the king-they choose Harold Godwineson to be King c. An omen of bad things to come, seen in the night sky just after Harold was crowned… Halley’s comet. d. The half brother of William who had historical embroidery made was named Odo. e. The archbishop who crowned Harold Godwineson was stigand. f. Battle between Harold and Harald was the battle at Stamford Bridge. g. The sister of Harold and wife to Edward was Edith. h. Actual place of the final battle between Harold and William was at a field near Hastings i. Cathedral built by Edward was Westminister Abbey.

LongshipHorse Harold, king. Animals that surround the court yard. Sail. William. Harold saying the oath. witnesses The oath

The Oath In the picture in the tapestry of the oath it shows how Harold Godwineson crosses the English Channel to Normandy. He is ship wrecked in Normandy and held hostage by a Norman court and then is saved by William. Harold is taken to Williams castle at Bayeux on the Norman coast. At this point William receives a message from King Edward. The message said that Edward has anointed William as his successor. After William has read the message he called upon Harold to swear an oath of allegiance in two shrines, he swears the oath as William witnesses the oath. The onlookers including William point to the event to make an emphasis on what is taking place. One observer places his hand over his heart to show the sacredness of Harold’s action. In the tapestry it shows William sitting down but still taller than Harold, this shows power of William over Harold Godwin son. It also includes Latin words at the top of the tapestry reading; “Where Harold took an oath to Duke William.” After Harold has said the oath he is set free to return back to England. But once returning to England he found out about Edwards death, and goes against soul and is dishonourable for then competing with William for the throne, which he swore not to do. Therefore William should rightfully be king.The Bayeux Tapestry was originally made to record the solemn oath that Harold took in this scene of the tapestry; therefore this scene holds great historical importance.