5 January 1066Death of Edward ConfessorEdward Confessor
Edward the Confessor dies without a direct heir and the English succession becomes contested
Historical records for England in 1066, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Edward the Confessor dies without a direct heir and the English succession becomes contested
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the death and funeral of Edward the Confessor.
Death of Edward the Confessor
Edward the Confessor dies, opening the succession crisis in which William asserts his claim to the English throne.
Death of Edward, he nominates Harold his successor on his deathbed
Edward the Confessor entrusts the kingdom to Harold on his deathbed, strengthening Harold's immediate claim to the throne.
Harold Godwinson is crowned king after the death of Edward the Confessor
Ignores the oath made to William Duke of Normandy in 1064. Crowned King of England, on the same day Halleys comet is seen, an ominous portent
Harold ignores the oath made to William Duke of Normandy in 1064
Harold ignores the oath made to William Duke of Normandy in 1064
Harold Godwinson is crowned king after the death of Edward the Confessor
The embroidery depicts Harold receiving the English crown after Edward's death.
Ignores the oath made to William Duke of Normandy in 1064. Crowned King of England, on the same day Halleys comet is seen, an ominous portent
Harold ignores the oath made to William Duke of Normandy in 1064
Harold ignores the oath made to William Duke of Normandy in 1064
Harold Godwinson is crowned king, and William treats the accession as a rejection of his claimed right to succeed Edward.
Harold assumes royal authority after Edward's death and the rapid decision of the English political leadership.
Succeeds as King of England. Harold Godwinson is chosen by the Witan to succeed Edward the Confessor
The Witanagemot elects Harold Godwinson, the man best placed to defend the country against the competing foreign claimants, to succeed Edward
The Bayeux Tapestry shows a comet interpreted by onlookers as a threatening omen for Harold's reign.
Edwin helps defeat Tostig's attempted invasion of eastern England before the larger Norwegian threat develops.
Tostig obtains ships and assistance in Flanders before launching attacks against the kingdom ruled by his brother Harold.
Assembles forces "larger than any king had assembled before in this country"
Baldwin V provided Tostig with a fleet and he landed in the Isle of Wight in May 1066, where he collected money and provisions
Raids the coast as far as Sandwich but is forced to retreat when King Harold called out land and naval forces
Tostig's force takes money and provisions on the Isle of Wight during the opening phase of his 1066 campaign.
Harold II calls out land and sea forces to guard the south coast against William
Harold's government responds to Tostig's coastal attacks while Edwin of Mercia defeats the exiled earl's invasion.
Tostig raids the English coast near Sandwich before Harold's mobilisation forces his ships away.
Harold maintains forces along the southern coast while expecting a possible invasion from Normandy.
The Earls Edwin and Morcar defeat Tostig decisively, deserted by his men, he fled to his sworn brother, King Malcolm III of Scotland
The Earls Edwin and Morcar defeat Tostig decisively, deserted by his men, he fled to his sworn brother, King Malcolm III of Scotland. Moves north and after an unsuccessful attempt to get his brother Gyrth to join him, raids Norfolk and Lincolnshire
Tostig's raiding force is defeated by local opposition in Lincolnshire and continues north seeking stronger allies.
Harold keeps land and naval forces ready against William while the Norman fleet remains delayed across the Channel.
William gathers ships and troops at Dives while waiting for conditions suitable for crossing the Channel.
Sets sail for St Valery-sur-Somme but loses some ships blown ashore by a westerly wind. Moves his fleet from Dives to St Valery at the mouth of the River Somme
Moves his fleet from Dives to St Valery at the mouth of the River Somme
Forced to disband his army & order his fleet back to London
Tostig fights beside Harald Hardrada against the northern earls at Fulford
Hadraada & Tostig defeat Edwin & Morcar then capture York
King Harald III of Norway Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson, his English ally, fought and defeated the Northern Earls Edwin and Morcar
Tostig & Hardrada defeat Morcars army at Gate Fulford
Edwin of Mercia joins Morcar in resisting the Norwegian advance near Fulford
Morcar of Northumbria commands English forces against Harald Hardrada at Fulford
Morcar helps command the English line at Fulford against the combined forces of Harald Hardrada and Tostig.
Edwin survives the defeat at Fulford and withdraws as the Norwegian victory places York under immediate pressure.
Morcar survives the defeat at Fulford as York faces the consequences of the Norwegian victory.
Harold's army reaches Tadcaster after a rapid march of roughly two hundred miles toward the Norwegian forces.
Tostig & Hardrada defeat Morcar & capture York
Tostig & Hardrada defeat Morcar & capture York
Harold advances rapidly from York and catches the Norwegian army by surprise near Stamford Bridge.
Defeats Hardrada & his brother Tostig, near York, Hardrada & Tostig are killed
Tostig & Hardrada are killed in battle by Harold
Death of Tostig, killed at the Battle of Stamford Bridge
Tostig Godwinson is killed fighting beside Harald Hardrada
Harold's forces break the Norwegian army after fierce fighting and destroy Hardrada's attempt to seize the English throne.
Tostig remains with Harald Hardrada during the final battle and is killed after the Norwegian position collapses.
Harold II surprises the Norwegian army near Stamford Bridge
Harold II defeats the Norwegian invasion at Stamford Bridge
Harold II restores English control in York after the Norwegian defeat
Harold emerges from the northern campaign with the principal Norwegian claimant dead and the invasion decisively defeated.
A favourable wind finally allows William's invasion fleet to leave Saint-Valery-sur-Somme for England.
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts William's fleet crossing the Channel toward England.
The invasion force sets sail, William leads the fleet out of the harbour in the Mora
William sails aboard the Mora, which leads the invasion fleet across the Channel during the night.
During the morning the invaders are off Beachy Head
Lands at the old Roman castle & harbour at Pevensey. Lands at Pevensey, Sussex without any opposition, he commands a force of about 10,000
William lands unopposed at Pevensey with his army and begins establishing a secure base on the Sussex coast.
The embroidery shows Norman troops, horses, weapons, and supplies landing on the English coast.
William moves his army from Pevensey toward Hastings and secures a stronger operating base.
The invasion force heads off for Hastings where there is an unguarded road to London
After the death of Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, Edwin and Morcar threw their support behind the Edgar the Atheling, who was proclaimed king, but they failed to muster an effective military response to the invading forces of William
Death of Morcar, killed during the siege of York
William transfers the invasion fleet to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme after prolonged delays caused by unfavourable winds.
Harold orders the English fleet back toward London as the long summer coastal watch comes to an end.
Harold leads a rapid march north to confront the Norwegian invasion before it can consolidate control around York.
Harold releases much of the seasonal army after prolonged mobilisation exhausts supplies and the expected Norman landing is delayed.
William establishes defensive works at Hastings while awaiting Harold's approach from the north.
Tostig makes an alliance with Hardrada & they launch an invasion with 300 ships
Tostig invades Mercia, after mounting raids further south, but is repulsed by Edwin and Morcar and fled to Scotland
Harold II moves rapidly north to confront the Norwegian army
Harold II receives news that William has landed in the south
Harold learns that Harald Hardrada and Tostig have entered northern England and redirects his attention from the Channel coast.
Edwin joins Morcar in assembling regional forces to block Harald Hardrada's advance toward York.
Morcar mobilises Northumbrian forces with Edwin of Mercia as the Norwegian invasion moves toward York.
Tostig joins Harald Hardrada's expedition and contributes English knowledge and political support to the Norwegian campaign.
Tostig supports northern raids intended to weaken Harold IIs position
York passes under the control of the victors after the northern earls are defeated at Fulford.
Tostig & Hardrada burn Scarborough
Tostig & Harald Hardrada defeat Morcar who had replaced Tostig as Earl of Northumbria
York submits after the defeat of the northern earls at Fulford
Tostig participates in the pressure on York after the allied victory over Edwin and Morcar at Fulford.
Hears news of the Norman landing while at a banquet in York
Marches south as soon as he hears of Williams landing
Arrives in London from York in an attempt to head off the Norman invasion
Marches from London with about 5,000 men in an effort to surprise the Norman invaders
Gathers his forces & leaves for the Sussex Downs to cut William off from his ships
Harold II advances into Sussex to confront Williams army near Hastings
Harold reaches the ridge near Battle and camps opposite William's army on the evening before the decisive engagement.
Harold & his armies assemble near Battle after Harold has marched 58 miles from London. Arrives in battle after 58 mile march from London which had taken its toll in infantry
Arrives in battle after marching 58 miles from London
William deploys his army below the English position at Senlac with archers, infantry and cavalry arranged for a combined assault.
The embroidery identifies Gyrth among Harold's brothers killed during the Battle of Hastings.
The embroidery identifies Leofwine among Harold's brothers killed during the Battle of Hastings.
Killed alongside his brothers Harold and Gyrth in the Battle of Hastings
Fights with his brother Harold I at the Battle of Hastings, killed in battle
Victory goes to the Normans whose cavalry overcomes the Anglo Saxon foot soldiers. The Battle takes place just 3 days after the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Harold is killed in batlle
Hears of Williams advance & forms a defensive position on Senlac ridge
Harold loses his element of surprise & the Normans attack
Marches from Hastings & reaches Telhan Hill 1 mile from Harold. Marches 7 miles from north of Hastings to confront Harold & catch him by surprise. Fields 4,000 Normans, 1,500 Flemings & 2,000 Bretons. Commands the Norman centre. Carries a mace & wears the relics upon which Harold had sworn his oath. Battle commences at 9 am when William orders his archers to fire at the English line
Harold loses his element of surprise & the Normans attack
The embroidery portrays William lifting his helmet to show his troops that he remained alive.
Harold is killed during the final phase of the Battle of Hastings, leaving the English army without its king.
Death of Gyrth, killed at the Battle of Hastings
Gyrth Godwinson is killed during the Battle of Hastings
Harold is killed during the final fighting, and the English army loses the leadership needed to continue organized resistance.
Harold II is killed and the English army collapses at Hastings
The final battle scenes portray Harold's death and the collapse of English resistance.
Death of Harold II, killed at the Battle of Hastings
Killed alongside his brothers Harold and Gyrth in the Battle of Hastings
Leofwine Godwinson is killed during the Battle of Hastings
The English army is defeated after a day of fighting near Hastings
Harold II deploys the English shield wall on the ridge above the battlefield
Harold's troops hold their hilltop position through repeated Norman attacks during many hours of fighting.
Norman forces exploit English pursuit during retreats and counterattack troops drawn away from the defensive ridge.
The Bayeux Tapestry ends with English troops fleeing after William's victory at Hastings.
William wins the Battle of Hastings, eliminating Harold's field army but not yet securing control of England.
The English housecarls hold a dense shield wall against repeated Norman attacks
Harold deploys his army on the ridge in a dense shield wall designed to resist Norman infantry and cavalry.
William raises his helmet and rides among his troops after a rumour spreads that he has been killed.
Identifies the remains of Harold II, she was his mistress
Harold an oath-breaker had lost claim for a decent burial & is buried on the sea-shore
Gyrth Godwinson is associated with counsel about how to meet the Norman threat
Canterbury submits as William advances through Kent after his victory at Hastings.
After the Battle of Hastings Canterbury surrenders without a fight
After the Battle of Hastings Dover surrenders without a fight
Stigand is among the English leaders facing the problem of succession after Hastings
Harold II pauses in London to collect reinforcements before facing William
Dover submits to William, giving the Normans control of a strategically important Channel port.
Morcar supports Edgar Atheling as a possible successor after Harold's death at Hastings.
Harold leads the core of his army south from Yorkshire to confront William before the Normans can advance farther inland.
Harold pauses briefly in London to collect additional troops before continuing toward the Norman position near Hastings.
Harold II returns south from Yorkshire after defeating the Norwegian invasion
Harold II gathers forces after learning of the Norman landing
Edwin of Mercia considers resistance and negotiation after the defeat at Hastings
Morcar of Northumbria joins English leaders assessing whether to oppose William
Harold receives news that William has landed in Sussex only days after the victory at Stamford Bridge.
Edgar becomes the leading surviving royal candidate considered by English leaders after Harold's death at Hastings.
Edwin supports Edgar Atheling after Harold's death while English leaders consider continued resistance to William.
Edgar Atheling is briefly recognised by some English leaders after Harolds death
Canterbury comes under Norman pressure after the defeat of Harold II
Dover submits to William during his advance after Hastings
Following Harolds death at the Battle of Hastings against the invading Normans in October, the Witanagemot assembled in London and elected Edgar king
Leofwine Godwinson joins the English army preparing to face the Normans
William attacks some of Edgars forces & then moves upstream to Berkshire
William captures Winchester from Queen Edith
William captures Winchester from Queen Edith
Londoners resist immediate Norman entry after Williams approach
Stigand meets William at Wallingford and pays homage as the Norman army manoeuvres around London.
William cannot attack London directly so to decides to isolate it
Crosses the Thames at Wallingford & moves to Berkhampstead
Attacks Edgars forces while laying siege to Southwark & moves upstream to Berkshire
William cannot attack London directly so to decides to isolate it
William attacks some of Edgars forces & then moves upstream to Berkshire
William I the Conqueror crosses the Thames at Wallingford & moves to Berkhampstead. Crosses the Thames at Wallingford & moves to Berkhampstead
Cannot attack London directly so decides to surround it
Attacks Edgars forces while laying siege to Southwark & moves upstream to Berkshire
Crosses the Thames at Wallingford & moves to Berkhampstead
William attacks some of Edgars forces & then moves upstream to Berkshire
Attacks Edgars forces while laying siege to Southwark & moves upstream to Berkshire
Crosses the Thames at Wallingford & moves to Berkhampstead
When William crossed the Thames at Wallingford he was met by Stigand, who now abandoned Edgar and submitted to the invader
William becomes King of England after his coronation at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day.
Crowns William I the Conqueror as the King of England
Crowned King of England on Christmas day, the 1st coronation in the Abbey
Ealdred of York performs the coronation of William as king of England
At his coronation William promises to uphold the laws and customs of his new kingdom.
Crowns William I the Conqueror as the King of England
Crowned King of England on Christmas day, the 1st coronation in the Abbey
Ealdred of York performs the coronation of William as king of England
William I begins his reign over England after the conquest
Ealdred presents William to the congregation and conducts the English part of the Christmas Day coronation ceremony.
Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit to William I the Conqueror
Edgar's supporters abandon effective resistance and he accepts William's authority before the Norman coronation.
In early December the remaining members of the Witan in London met and resolved to take the young uncrowned king out to meet William to submit to him at Berkhamsted, quietly setting aside Edgars election
In early December the remaining members of the Witan in London met and resolved to take the young uncrowned king out to meet William to submit to him at Berkhamsted, quietly setting aside Edgars election
William crosses the Thames at Wallingford while manoeuvring around London.
In early December the remaining members of the Witan in London met and resolved to take the young uncrowned king out to meet William to submit to him at Berkhamsted, quietly setting aside Edgars election
In early December the remaining members of the Witan in London met and resolved to take the young uncrowned king out to meet William to submit to him at Berkhamsted, quietly setting aside Edgars election
Leading English nobles submit to William at Berkhamsted, clearing the way for his accession in London.
Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit to William I the Conqueror
Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit to William I the Conqueror
Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit to William I the Conqueror. Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit
Submits to William after William isolates London
Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit to William I the Conqueror. Edgar, the Earls of Northumbria & Mercia & the Archbishops of Canterbury & York submit
Archbishop Stigand meets William at Wallingford and submits as English resistance around London weakens.
Edgar Atheling submits to William at Berkhamsted
Stigand submits to William along with other English leaders
Edwin of Mercia submits to William as English resistance weakens
Morcar of Northumbria submits to William at Berkhamsted
In early December the remaining members of the Witan in London met and resolved to take the young uncrowned king out to meet William to submit to him at Berkhamsted, quietly setting aside Edgars election
In early December the remaining members of the Witan in London met and resolved to take the young uncrowned king out to meet William to submit to him at Berkhamsted, quietly setting aside Edgars election
As the Normans closed in on London, Edgars key supporters in the city began negotiating with William
Edwin of Mercia weighs support for Harold II as royal authority shifts after Edwards death
Morcar of Northumbria accepts Harold II while northern loyalty remains uncertain
Tostig Godwinson seeks foreign support after his exile from Northumbria
Tostig encourages Harald Hardrada to pursue the English crown and joins the Norwegian invasion project.
Hadraada & Tostig defeat Edwin & Morcar then capture York
At the news of Harolds death, Ealdgyths brothers went to London to fetch her and immediately sent her to Chester for shelter
Ealdgyth buries her former husband at Waltham Abbey
Harolds mother offers William I equivalent weight in gold for Harolds body, refused
Believes William I buries Harold II on the sea-shore
Ealdgyth buries her former husband at Waltham Abbey
Tradition associates Waltham Abbey with the recovery and burial of Harold II
Edwards widow keeps control of the West Saxon capital after the Battle of Hastings
Tostig & Hardrada capture Scarborough
Stigands position as archbishop becomes important in the legitimacy debate around Harold II
Edgar Atheling remains a royal claimant but lacks the military support needed to take the throne
The embroidery shows Norman soldiers building a fortified base at Hastings.
The embroidery shows shipwrights cutting timber and constructing vessels for William's invasion fleet.
Crowns Harold II as King of England
Stigand appears beside the enthroned Harold in the Bayeux Tapestry's coronation scene.
Crowns Harold II as King of England
Queen Edith links the old royal house and the Godwin family during the succession dispute
Hadrada is rumoured to be in in Isle of Wight preparing for an invasion
Tostig is forced to seek proptection in Scotland after his defeat in the Humber
Halleys comet is seen over England, a portent of great things to happen
Forced to submit to William the Conqueror
Follows William the Conqueror to England
Tostig is forced to seek proptection in Scotland. Tostig invades the coast with a fleet of 60 ships but is defeated by Edwin
Tostig is forced to seek proptection in Scotland. Tostig invades the coast with a fleet of 60 ships but is defeated by Edwin
Assembles forces "larger than any king had assembled before in this country". Lands on the Isle of Wight to confront William the Conqueror but he does not arrive. Hadrada is rumoured to be in in Isle of Wight preparing for an invasion
Harold mobilizes to confront Tostig at the Isle of Wight but Tostig lands in the north
Harald III Hardrada arrives with an invasion fleet of 300 ships
Tostig is forced to seek proptection in Scotland after his defeat in the Humber
Receives the banner of St Peter from the Pope to bless his expedition against England
Sets sail for St Valery-sur-Somme but loses some ships blown ashore by a westerly wind. Moves his fleet from Dives to St Valery at the mouth of the River Somme. Receives a banner from the Pope in support of his invasion of England. Builds a fleet at Dives on the River Dives, by August sufficient ships are assembled
William begins organizing ships, supplies and troops for an invasion intended to enforce his claim to England.
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts William receiving news of Harold's accession and preparing an invasion.
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts Harold moving south to confront William's invading army.
Marries King Harold
The embroidery shows Harold receiving reports about the comet and a fleet of ships.
William obtains papal support for his campaign, giving his invasion a powerful religious and political justification.
Mercia rebels against Williams victory at the Battle of Hastings
Northumbria rebels against Williams victory at the Battle of Hastings
Edwards widow keeps control of the West Saxon capital after the Battle of Hastings
William Fitz Osbern becomes first Lord of the Island
Tostig invades the coast with a fleet of 60 ships but is defeated by Edwin
Constructs Eglise Saint-Etienne
Chosen King by Morcar & his brother Edwin after the Battle of Hastings
Following Harolds death at the Battle of Hastings against the invading Normans in October, the Witanagemot assembled in London and elected Edgar king.
The Witanagemot elects Harold Godwinson, the man best placed to defend the country against the competing foreign claimants, to succeed Edward.
When King Edward died in January 1066 Edgar was still in his early teens, too young to be an effective military leader. Supported by the Archbishops of Canterbury & York after the Battle of Hastings.
Supported by the Archbishops of Canterbury & York after the Battle of Hastings. Chosen King by Morcar & his brother Edwin after the Battle of Hastings
Edward is succeeded by his brother in law, Godwins son Harold
After Edward's death William asks Harold to honour his oath to him, Harold refuses
After Edward's death William asks Harold to honour his oath to him, Harold refuses
Gyrth Godwinson supports Harold II and helps maintain the Godwinson power base
Leofwine Godwinson supports Harold II in the south east during the invasion scare
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