AthelingWilliam gathers ships
Norman preparations turn a claim into a credible threat.
What the record says
Across the Channel, William watches for a divided England and favourable winds.
Certainty
| Fact | Value | Certainty |
|---|---|---|
| Date | 1 August 1066 | Exact |
| How sure we are | High | Of this record as a whole |
People
Related events
- Stamford Bridge
Harold defeats the Norwegian host.
- William lands at Pevensey
The Norman fleet crosses while Harold is in the north, and the army comes ashore unopposed.
- Hastings
William defeats Harold's army on the ridge north of Hastings. Harold is killed.
- Edgar submits at Berkhamsted
William crosses the Thames at Wallingford and the English leaders come out to meet him.
- Tostig seeks a return
Tostig's exile hardens into a political grievance.
Sources
Where this is recorded
- William of Poitiers, Gesta Guillelmi, ed. R. H. C. Davis and Marjorie Chibnall, Oxford Medieval Texts, 1998
- William of Jumièges, Gesta Normannorum Ducum, ed. Elisabeth van Houts, Oxford Medieval Texts, 1992 to 1995
Suggest a correction Opens an email with the record filled in. A source helps and is not required. Submissions are reviewed against sources, and those that stand up go into the record and the game, with credit if you want it.