Liveblogging the Norman Conquest: September 30, 1066: William the Conqueror invades England
: William the Conqueror invades England: "William was the illegitimate son of Robert I...
...duke of Normandy, by his concubine Arlette, a tanner’s daughter from the town of Falaise. The duke, who had no other sons, designated William his heir, and with his death in 1035 William became duke of Normandy at age seven. Rebellions were epidemic during the early years of his reign, and on several occasions the young duke narrowly escaped death. Many of his advisers did not....
In 1051, William is believed to have visited England and met with his cousin Edward the Confessor, the childless English king.... Norman historians [claim] Edward promised to make William his heir. On his deathbed, however, Edward granted the kingdom to Harold Godwineson.... In January 1066, King Edward died, and Harold was proclaimed King Harold II. William immediately disputed his claim. In addition, King Harald III Hardraade of Norway had designs on England, as did Tostig, brother of Harold.... On September 25, Harold met them at Stamford Bridge and defeated and killed them both. Three days later, William landed in England at Pevensey.
With approximately 7,000 troops and cavalry, William seized Pevensey and marched to Hastings, where he paused to organize his forces...
