BATTLE OF HASTINGS The Normans

Background: Cnut In 1016, Cnut was a prince of Denmark, but he invaded England and became king. He originally had the support of the English nobility, but he eventually murdered many members of the nobility as well as members of the royal family. Cnut gave lands to families who were loyal to him including the Godwins.

Background: Edward Edward the Confessor was the son of the previous English king. He had fled to Normandy when Cnut invaded. He lived with his Uncle, Richard II Duke of Normandy.

Background: Death of Cnut Cnut died in 1035 and was succeeded as King of Denmark by his son Harthacnut. Cnut’s other son, Harold Harefoot became king of England. In 1036, Edward the Confessor and his brother Alfred returned to England. Godwin, Earl of Wessex had Alfred captured and sent to Harold. Harold tortured Alfred by blinding him using red hot pokers. This was designed to make Alfred an unsuitable king. Alfred eventually died from his wounds.

Background: Death of Cnut The death of Alfred led to Edward’s hatred of Earl Godwin. Harthacnut eventually returned to rule England, but as he had no heir he made Edward his successor. In 1042, Harthacnut died and Edward became King of England with the support of Earl Godwin. During Edward’s reign the family of Earl Godwin gained a significant amount of land and power, in particular Harold Godwinson, son of Godwin.

Background: William When Robert, Duke of Normandy died, his son William was only 8 years old – this caused many problems. Eventually, using the support of King Henry, William was able to succeed his father and become Duke of Normandy in William was able to establish a united and efficient state. There was much speculation that William would be Edward’s heir in England.

Background: Harold Godwinson Harold visited Normandy, but sources disagree about the reason for his visit. Norman sources claim that Harold was visiting to offer William the English throne, Saxon sources claim he was shipwrecked on route to France. While in Normandy Harold swore an oath, but again sources disagree about the nature of the oath. The Normans say that Harold swore to support William’s claim to the English throne – the Saxons say that Harold was only agreeing to be a supporter of William in Normandy.

1066 Edward the Confessor, King of England dies in He was childless. The Witan ask Harold Godwinson to be King of England. William was furious and planned to invade. Tostig, Harold’s brother, also planned to invade with the help of Harald Hadrada, the King of Norway.

1066 On 25 th September, Harold defeats Tostig and Harald at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. 2 days later – William sets sail from Normandy. On October 12 th, Harold was in London gathering more troops and by October 14 th he marched to Hastings.

1066 The Battle of Hastings took place at Senlac Hill. In the early stages, Harold appeared to be winning. William’s troops appeared to retreat, drawing the Saxon soldiers after them, this broke the line and allowed William’s troops to take advantage. Harold was eventually killed and William became the first Norman king of England.

Bayeux Tapestry In pairs or threes, you will be examining sections of a source material on the Battle of Hastings. This source is called the Bayeux Tapestry. The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth that measures nearly 70m. The tapestry shows the events leading up to the Norman invasion of England and finishes with the Battle of Hastings.