Today marks the 949th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.
1066 has already been a tumultuous year in England. On January
5, Edward the Confessor died, leaving the English throne to Harold
Gowinson. William of Normandy, also known as William the Bastard,
claimed that he had been designated as Edward's successor and
that Harold had once promised him that he, Harold, disclaimed any
right to the throne, leaving it instead to William. In addition,
Harold Hardrada asserted a claim to the English throne.
Sometime in September, Harold Hardrada had landed his troops in
the north of England. After fast marching his troops north, the
army of Harold Gowinson met the invading army of Harold Hardrada at
the Battle of Stamford Bridge (
See my posting). The invading army was defeated. Learning of
William's invasion in the south, Harold had to turn his army
around and fast march it south in order to respond to this new
threat. That forced march was some 240 miles each way.
