William of Normandy was a distant relative of Edward the Confessor, but the two men were very different. William was no saint, while his father , Duke Robert, was nick named 'the devil'. William had learned to be a ruthless soldier. He had fought rivals to master Normandy and was ready to fight for the English crown he claimed Edward had promised him.

 

The Witan seems to have known nothing about Edward's promise to William. The Archbishop of Canterbury agreed that Edward had named Harold of Wessex as the next king, and Harold prepared to fight for the crown. But he had already lost the support of his brother, Tostig, Earl of Northumbria. Tostig had so upset the Northumbrians that there was a risk of civil war and Harold was forced to send him away. Tostig then turned against his brother and fled to Harold Hardrada's army, which landed in the North of England as the Normans waited across the channel.

 

Harold led his men North to fight the Norwegians and Tostig. At the battle of Stamford Bridge near York the English won a great victory. Harold Hardrada and Tostig were among the dead. Now came the grim news that the Normans had landed in Sussex. Harold rushed south with his weary army, to drive William into the sea. Some thanes held back, but others sent fresh troops to aid their new King. Harold did not wait for them. On 14th October the English met the Norman invaders on Senlac Hill near Hastings. Harold was killed. William had conquered, and in one battle ended the Saxon rule of England. William the Conqueror was crowned King on Christmas day 1066.

 

            

 

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   The region of Normandy.