Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

Having overthrown England's best men under Harold Godwinsson at Senlac Hill on 14 October 1066, William the Conqueror made a long march clockwise around London, crossing the Thames at Wallingford about a month after the battle and then moving along the chalk hills by way of Aylesbury and Aston Clinton to Luton before pushing down towards Hertford. It was thought that Berkhamstead, twelve miles south-east of Aylesbury, was on his route but scholars are now of the opinion that the next major event took place at Little Berkhamstead, halfway between Hertford and Potter's Bar. Here the remaining English powers surrendered. Ealdred, Archbishop of York, Edwin of Mercia, his brother Morcar of Northumbria and the man who was the witan's choice for the throne, Edgar Atheling, presented themselves and did homage. William entered London a few days before Christmas and was crowned on Christmas Day.

See also: Edgar Atheling; Edwin of Mercia; Harold Godwinsson; Morcar of Northumbria; Senlac Hill; William the Conqueror; witan

Related Reading:

• Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition)- The Fall of Saxon England
  (Campaign 13 )