WHY DID WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR WIN THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS?

WHY DID WILLIAM WIN THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS?

IN THE YEAR OF 1066, KING HAROLD FACED 3 BLOODY BATTLES IN THE SPACE OF SIX WEEKS. 

How did William Prepare for his invasion?

GETTING PAPAL SUPPORT

-William was furious when he heard of Edward's death and Harold's coronation. 

-William sent LANFRANC his trusted friend to Rome to portray Anglo-Saxon England as a country of corruption. William gained the support of the Pope, and went into war with the Papal Banner at his head. 

-Thousands flocked to join him for his battle against William, now that he had a proper cause. He was also already famous as a winner of battles-hence the name 'The Conqueror'. He was seen as the most powerful man in north-east Europe. 

MILITARY PREPARATIONS

-Men were fed, horses provisioned, ships built, arms and armour manufactured. 

-The ordinary people of Normandy did not suffer, & the harvest was gathered as the summer came and went. All he needed now was favourable wind. 

How did Harold prepare for the defence of his Kingdom?

-On 8th September, Harold had to disband his fleet who had served their 2-month service. Harold's army was made up of farmers mainly, who had to go home to gather up the harvest. 

-However, William did not get to England first. Harold Godwin heard the news that Harold Hardrada, King of Norway, had landed in Northumbria and had burnt a large vast of the area to the ground. 

THE BATTLE AT GATE FULFORD.

Hardrada said that Magnus King of Norway was promised by Harthacnut, to leave him all his belongings if he died first. 

-Hardrada, "the hard one", sailed up the Humber with 300 ships and was extremely feared. He marched on up to York, to find that his path was blocked by Edwine and Morcar, brothers-in-law of Harold Godwinsson. The battle raged all day, but ended in the defeat of the northern Anglo-Saxon army (Edwine and Morcar). 

-At this point, Harold Godwin still had to defeat two rival claimants to…