6 January 1066News of Harold's CoronationWilliam Normandy William the Conqueror
William learns that Harold Godwinson has taken the English crown and begins preparing to enforce his own claim.
Historical records for France in 1066, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
William learns that Harold Godwinson has taken the English crown and begins preparing to enforce his own claim.
Breton allies join William's army and are later assigned to the left division at Hastings.
Eustace of Boulogne joins William's multinational expedition and contributes forces to the campaign for the English throne.
William concentrates troops near the mouth of the Dives as the invasion army gathers during late summer.
Odo supports his half-brother William during the organisation of the invasion and helps sustain the Norman war effort.
William gathers ships and supplies on the Norman coast while waiting for favourable winds
Flemish allies assemble with William's expedition and later fight with the right division at Hastings.
Frankish troops join William's coalition and strengthen the non-Norman elements of the invasion army.
William's expedition prepares ships and loading arrangements so mounted troops and their horses can cross the Channel together.
William directs preparations for a large transport fleet capable of carrying cavalry, infantry, horses, weapons and supplies.
William's forces collect armour, weapons, food and other supplies needed to sustain the cross-Channel expedition.
William's fleet leaves Normandy after the wind changes, beginning the invasion crossing toward the English coast.
William sails aboard the Mora as the ducal ship leads the invasion fleet across the Channel at night.
William's fleet crosses the Channel during the night without interception by an English naval force.
William lands at Pevensey after crossing the Channel from Normandy
The Norman army occupies the old Roman fortification at Pevensey
William's troops strengthen the landing position by adapting the Roman fortifications and cutting defensive earthworks.
William establishes a temporary fortified position within the Roman defences at Pevensey immediately after landing.
William moves his army from Pevensey toward Hastings
William moves his army east from Pevensey toward Hastings after securing the initial landing area.
The Norman fleet waits at Saint Valery before crossing the Channel
William shifts his invasion fleet to Saint-Valery-sur-Somme while waiting for winds suitable for the Channel crossing.
William keeps the invasion force concentrated at Saint-Valery while persistent contrary winds delay departure.
William sends archers forward at the opening of the battle before infantry and cavalry attack the English ridge.
Odo is depicted rallying Norman soldiers during the Battle of Hastings as the fighting becomes uncertain.
Odo of Bayeux takes part in the Norman victory at Hastings
Eustace of Boulogne fights with the French and Norman forces at Hastings
Breton troops fight on Williams flank during the Battle of Hastings
William FitzOsbern serves among Williams leading commanders at Hastings
Commands some of William the Conquerors forces at the Battle of Hastings
Commands some of William the Conquerors forces at the Battle of Hastings
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts Odo rallying Norman soldiers with a club during the battle.
Assists his half-brother William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings
Commands some of William the Conquerors forces at the Battle of Hastings
Assists his half-brother William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings
Odo remains with William's army during the decisive engagement and is shown among the leaders encouraging the troops.
The Norman army suffers losses but holds the field after the battle
William's cavalry turns on English soldiers who have left the protection of the shield wall during the pursuit.
William deploys infantry archers and cavalry against the English position
William's army finally penetrates the weakened English position after prolonged fighting throughout the day.
Norman cavalry tactics draw some English fighters away from the ridge
William combines renewed archery with cavalry attacks during the final phase of the struggle against Harold's line.
William's first attacks fail to break the English shield wall defending the ridge above the battlefield.
William personally commands the Norman centre while allied contingents occupy the flanks of his battle line.
Eustace fights on William's side at Hastings and survives the battle that defeats Harold's English army.
William's troops pursue fleeing English forces after Harold's death ends organised resistance on the battlefield.
William's forces use further withdrawals to draw English fighters downhill and weaken the defensive shield wall.
A rumour that William has been killed spreads during a retreat and threatens the cohesion of the Norman army.
William divides his army into Breton, Norman, and Frankish-Flemish divisions before the Battle of Hastings.
William wins the Battle of Hastings and opens the way to the English throne
Odo survives the Battle of Hastings and shares in the victory that opens the road to William's coronation.
William removes or raises his helmet so retreating troops can see that he remains alive and in command.
William moves from Dover toward Canterbury to extend control in Kent
William advances toward Dover after the victory at Hastings
William's forces study the ground around Hastings while awaiting the English army returning from the north.
Norman forces secure Dover as a key Channel stronghold
Norman forces build a temporary castle at Hastings to secure the landing area
William establishes Hastings as the main fortified base for his army while waiting for Harold's approach.
William's occupation and ravaging of the Hastings area puts political and military pressure on Harold to seek battle.
William allows troops to obtain supplies from the surrounding countryside while keeping the army close to its ships.
Norman forces threaten London from the south bank of the Thames
William uses the Thames crossing at Wallingford to continue a western encirclement of London instead of attacking the city directly.
William is reported to have delayed after illness during the advance toward London
William advances through the Thames Valley after failing to secure an immediate submission from London.
William is crowned king of England at Westminster Abbey
William is acclaimed in both English and French during his Christmas Day coronation at Westminster Abbey.
William and the clergy complete the coronation service while smoke and disorder drive many people from the abbey.
Norman guards mistake the coronation acclamation for an attack and set nearby buildings on fire outside Westminster Abbey.
William is crowned king of England at Westminster Abbey
A disturbance outside Williams coronation causes Norman guards to set nearby buildings on fire
William receives the crown from Ealdred, Archbishop of York, because Archbishop Stigand does not perform the ceremony.
William is crowned according to the established English coronation rite, reinforcing the legitimacy of his new kingship.
William agrees to take the English crown after the leading men of London and other magnates submit to his authority.
William receives the submission of leading English nobles at Berkhamsted as organised resistance around London collapses.
William enters London after securing the submission of leading English nobles
William circles west of London to pressure the city into submission
Breton forces join the Norman expedition and strengthen Williams cavalry arm
Eustace of Boulogne joins the French and Norman coalition supporting Williams invasion
William summons Norman, Breton, Frankish and Flemish allies to provide men, ships, horses and equipment for the invasion.
William seeks papal approval for his expedition, strengthening the religious and political case presented for invading England.
Present at the Battle of Hastings
William rejects Harold's accession and presents himself as the rightful successor to Edward the Confessor.
William of Normandy asserts that Edward promised him the English throne
Roger of Montgomery helps secure Norman interests while the expedition is assembled
Robert of Mortain prepares to support his half brother William in the English expedition
William organises his army into Norman Breton Flemish and French contingents
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts Odo blessing food at a feast before the Battle of Hastings.
Supplies William with 100 ships to invade England
Supplies William with 120 ships to invade England
A senechsal of the Earl of Dol, joins in William & becomes a founder of the Stewarts
Odo helped provide resources and support for William's preparations to invade England.
Horses weapons and provisions are collected for a large amphibious invasion
William obtains papal support for his claim and incorporates the blessing into the justification for his English expedition.
Odo of Bayeux helps mobilise Norman knights and resources for the invasion
William FitzOsbern assists the Norman preparations and gathers men for the cross Channel campaign
French and Norman knights seek land and reward by joining Williams campaign
French speaking knights expect land and status after supporting Williams victory
Papal support is reported for Williams expedition against Harold II
A senechsal of the Earl of Dol, joins in William & becomes a founder of the Stewarts
William presents Harolds earlier oath as evidence supporting the Norman claim to England
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