Norman Conquest Timeline

THE SAXON ARMY MOVES OUT

London, 11 October 1066

King Harold and the main force of the English army marched out of London today. They rode out over London Bridge and headed off down the Dover road towards Crayford, without waiting for expected reinforcements. New recruits raised in the home counties were expected to arrive later today, but Harold has sent messengers telling them to assemble "at the hoar apple-tree". This is a well-known landmark at the junction of the Sussex Hundreds of Baldstow, Hailesaltede and Ninfield.

The tree stands on the Caldbec Hill, where the road leading north from Hastings forks. One branch leads to the road that runs from Maidstone to London, the other to the Lewes-London road. If William of Normandy is to break out of his beachhead and march on the capital, he must take one of these roads.

As Earl of Wessex, Harold knows this part of England well. The terrain is hilly there and far from ideal for the cavalry that, rumour has it, makes up much of the Norman forces. Caldbec Hill is in the narrow gap between the Brede and Bulverhythe rivers. If Harold can hold this position, the Norman forces will be bottled up in Hastings where William will find it difficult to resupply his army during the winter.

However, Harold's bold move does not come without risks. Caldbec Hill is just seven miles from Hastings. If William were to counter-attack immediately, Harold would find himself without his archers, who are still on their way back from York.

But Harold seems to be risking all on this one roll of the dice. He has taken with him his brothers Gyrth and Leofwine, his nephew Hakon and all the great men of Wessex. This means if he is defeated, England will be left with no leader around which to rally.

It is said that his common-law wife Edith Swan-neck, mother of his five sons and two daughters, is also accompanying him. She plans to watch the battle from a safe distance. Meanwhile Edith, sister of Edwin of Mercia and Morcar of Northumbria who Harold married to secure their support in his bid for the throne, is heading north to seek the protection of her brothers.

To counter rumours of his excommunication, Harold has with him two aged and respected abbots from Waltham Abbey. They had no choice in the matter as Harold endowed Waltham Abbey and the monks there are in his pay. The abbots have taken the precaution of wearing mail over their habits.

The move on Hastings has come sooner than most people expected. But the Channel is still open and it is thought that Harold wants to attack before William can receive fresh reinforcements from Normandy. Others say that Harold is intoxicated with his victory over the Vikings at Stamford Bridge just two weeks ago and now sees himself as a great military leader.

As the English troops now march on Caldbec Hill, a decisive victory is vital. If Harold is defeated and the Normans break out, the whole of England and Wales will lie at the invader's feet.

Article by Nigel Cawthorne