He visited England in and claimed that Edward promised the throne to him when he died. There is no proof of this promise being made. Also in , Harold was shipwrecked off of the coast of Normandy and held captive by Count Guy de Ponthieu.
By any standards, Harold was a prize catch for William. Harold was faced with two choices: he could spend the rest of his life in Norman captivity or he could return to England and lead the life of a nobleman.
The Bayeaux Tapestry clearly shows Harold swearing a sacred oath on the bones of a saint. For this reason, William was confident that Harold would keep his promise on the death of Edward. However, despite the Bayeaux Tapestry , there is no proof that Harold actually did make this promise. A man called William of Poitiers, claimed that he witnessed the promise being made.
Nothing about a promise is mentioned in this. When William heard of what Harold had done, it is said that he flew into a terrible rage of anger. Harold defended what he had done by claiming that William had forced him to make the promise and therefore it was done by blackmail and was not valid.
William promised to take what he believed was his — the throne of England — by force. In contrast, for the countries of the British Isles, the battle of Hastings changed the fundamental course of their history and its impact would resonate down the centuries. This blog gives insights into the history of government — its development, its departments and some of the roles and people involved. Find out more. Section of the Bayeux Tapestry depicting the fighting at the battle of Hastings Source: Wiki Commons It is approaching years since William the Conqueror triumphed at the battle of Hastings on 14 th October ; a pivotal date in England's history.
Typed script of R. Sign up for our email alerts. Britain and an independent South America. Redesigning No. Related content and links History of government This blog gives insights into the history of government — its development, its departments and some of the roles and people involved. However, in late , with Harold dead, some thought Edgar their best bet.
Without the full support of these key nobles it was only a matter of time before Edgar would have to submit to the Conqueror. With all other claimants now truly defeated, William entered London in triumph. He was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day — the date, no doubt, chosen to echo the imperial coronation of Charlemagne in Rome in Legend has it that the day did not run smoothly. During the crowning ceremony the congregation was required to shout their acclamation of the new king — a noise reputedly taken by the Norman guards outside the abbey to indicate foul play within, leading them to burn local houses.
Alex Burghart is a historian specialising in the Anglo-Saxon period. Sign in. Back to Main menu Virtual events Masterclasses. Home Period Anglo-Saxon eight days that rocked England. Oliver Cromwell was a political and military leader in 17th century England who served as Lord Protector, or head of state, of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland for a five-year-period until his death in Cromwell was known for being ruthless in battle, and he Live TV.
This Day In History. History Vault. Recommended for you. Battle of Saratoga. Battle of Midway. Battle of Guadalcanal. Battle of the Somme. Henry V One of the most renowned kings in English history, Henry V led two successful invasions of France, cheering his outnumbered troops to victory at the Battle of Agincourt and eventually securing full control of the French throne.
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