King Edward dies without any Heir to the throne on the 5th of January 1066. His last words were said to Harold Godwinson- "I commend my wife and kingdom to your care."
Death
After Edward's death, Harold tells the people what his last words were. No one knows if Harold lied about it, or told the truth.
The Announcement
After the announcement, Harold Godwinson was coronated almost immediately. The burial of Edward was on the Same day as Harold's coronation. (6th of January)
Burial and Coronation
Harold Godwinson's brother, Tostig Godwinson, attacked the Isle of Wight during his attempted invasions of south England. (May, 1066)
Tostig Attacks
Contenders for the Crown
Contenders for the Crown
Experienced Leader- 8/10
Family Connections- 7/10
Skilled Worrier-7/10
English?- 10/10
Total-32/40
Harold Godwinson.
Earl of Wessx
Experienced Leader- 9/10
Family Connections-8/10
Skilled Worrier-6/10
English?-10/10
Total- 33/40
William the Conqueror.
Duke of Normandy
Experienced Leader-9/10
Family Connections-7.5/10
Skilled Worrier-9/10
English?-2/10
Total-27.5/40
Harald Hardrada.
King of Norway
Map of 1066
Map
The Battle of Fulford Gate
Battle of Fulford Gate
Harald Hardrada prepares 300 ships and thousands of men to sail to Northumbria for the first battle.
Hardrada's Preparation
William of Normandy prepares his army and gets support from the Pope to take on Harold Godwinson.
William's Preparation
Godwinson takes his army to battle William.
Godwinson and Wllliam
Harald Hardrada battles the Saxons and wins the battle of Fulford Gate. (20th September)
The Victor
The Battle of Stamford Bridge
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Harald Hardrada and Harold Godwinson’s armies stand on either side of the bridge, Preparing for attack.
Before the Battle
One of Harald Hardrada’s men stood on the bridge, killing anyone who dared to try and pass.
Hardrada's Weapon
The Viking was successful until one of Godwinson’s men who was under the bridge, spears the Viking and kills him.
The Viking's End
As the battle continues, Hardrada was killed with an arrow to the throat, making Godwinson the victor (26th September)
The Victor
The Battle of Hastings
Battle of Hastings
Harold Godwinson takes his army to meet William and along the walk, picks up more men to fight for him.
The March
Harold Godwinson’s army arrives in England and sets up camp at Hastings.
Arrival
William’s army takes high ground on Senlac Hill and forms a shield wall.
Formation
Negotiations fail and as the fight continues, Godwinson is killed therefore making William the new King.
The King
William then marches to London to be crowned King. (25th December)
Crowning
The Result of William's Victory
The Result
Immediate Changes
The Normans ruled England as Kings
Army of occupation around a majority of England
North England was burned to cut ties with Denmark
New laws were passed to give the Normans more power
French became the official language in court
Styles of building changed
the Feudal system was introduced
castles were built around the country for better protection
Gradual Changes
The Feudal system was a system of government/ a structure of society that ranked from a king to a peasant.