6/7. How did William establish himself on the throne of England by end of 1066?
- Created by: Alasdair
- Created on: 15-06-17 15:11
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- 6/7. How did William establish himself on the throne of England by end of 1066?
- Vulnerable William
- Kingdom not secured
- Edwin and Morcar had not been involved in battle and were still at large with number of English forces available if they could be organised
- London (main city) was not under William's control and it was possible to arrange for fleet to block William's communications with Normandy
- If London could be held, second army could be raised - provided a king, who could unite the opposition, could be found
- Archbishop Stigand nominated Edgar Aetheling (Edward's great nephew)
- Accession confirmed by Witan, held early in Nov
- Decision possibly inspired by news William was ill
- Edgar never crowned and would later assist William in gaining throne
- Indecision concerning Edgar reveals division among Saxons - helps William secure throne
- Accession confirmed by Witan, held early in Nov
- Archbishop Stigand nominated Edgar Aetheling (Edward's great nephew)
- William takes London
- William realised he would have to impose his rule on London to remain in control
- Reinforcements arrived from Normandy and five days after victory at Hastings he set off on winding route towards London
- William used number of methods to establish himself on throne
- Force and intimidation
- Negotiations
- Fortifying areas
- Ravaging the countryside
- Siege
- Acclaim
- First moves
- Eastwards to Kentish ports
- Would deny English harbours and also allow his force to be supplied from Normandy
- En route, he went through Romney where Normans avenged death of some of their troops who had been caught there in a chance encounter
- William spent six days at Dover
- Strengthened fortifications there
- After Dover, he headed to Canterbury
- Gained control of major religious centre
- Suggested William had to stay there a month due to illness
- Some sources say whilst William remained in Canterbury moves were made to capture other areas
- Other sources say William launched attack on London but was repulsed
- Able to reach area close to Southern end of London Bridge before advance guard was beaten back with heavy losses
- William responded by burning Southwark and to begin large scale movement to isolate city by reducing broad belt of country round it on other side of the Thames
- Going westwards through Hampshire and Wiltshire
- Soon obtained surrender of Winchester, which was seat of Treasury.
- Edward the Confessor's widow, Eadgyth (Edith) was there and her influence probably encouraged submission
- Domesday Book shows value of land in Surrey, Northhampshire and Berkshire had declined in value due to William's march
- Soon obtained surrender of Winchester, which was seat of Treasury.
- By end of November, no clear-cut opposition had emerged
- Those who had potential to raise forces had failed to do so and showed no will to continue to fight
- Arguably William did not need to conquer country as it had already submitted
- William probably aware of political situation and sent army across Thames at Wallingford
- Here, took Stigand's submission
- Revealed to William division in English camp and probably encouraged others to follow submit too
- Here, took Stigand's submission
- Move towards London persuaded others to submit
- Conclusion meeting at Berkhamstead where William recieved oath of fealty and hostages from Edgar Aetheling, Edwin, Morcar, and other bishops and leading men of city of London
- Those who had potential to raise forces had failed to do so and showed no will to continue to fight
- Although William was offered crown at Berkhamstead, William continued to use force and intimidate the local population until London was under his control
- Army continued to ravage countryside between Berkhamstead and London
- Uncertain what happened after ravaging
- Rumours William prepared to besiege city
- Suggests some in London still resisting
- Appears most in city wanted William to take control as King
- Suggests some in London still resisting
- Rumours William prepared to besiege city
- Coronation
- Crowned Christmas Day at Westminster Abbey
- Due to having won crown on battlefield, asked people present if they acknowledge him as King
- Shouting that greeted acclaim caused soldiers standing outside abbey to panic and think there was trouble inside - they set fire to nearby buildings
- Despite asking for popular acclaim, William still pursued policy of coercion and began building castle in London. Within three months of his landing, William in strong position
- Former King, Harold was dead, along with other leading members of Godwin family
- Harald Hardrada, who might have challenged for throne, was dead
- Edgar Aetheling, who might have claimed the throne, had surrendered and was a pensioner at his court
- Edwin and Morcar guests at court
- Church supported William
- London, Winchester and Canterbuyr were under his control
- Southern ports under William's control
- Vulnerable William
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