William's Invasion
Introduction
William of Normandy was angry when he heard that Harold Godwinson had seized the throne, and he began to gather an army to invade.
Study these eight Sources, then answer the question sheet by clicking on the 'Time to Work' icon at the top of the page.
Links:
The following websites will help you research further:
Harold's coronation:
•
Additional information at
normaninvasion.info
•
Very detailed narrative account by 19th century American historian
Jacob Abbott (this is available as an
audio-book on YouTube)
1 Building Boats
All the following scenes are from the Bayeux Tapestry (made in about 1067-70).
2 Launching the fleet
The Latin words mean: 'Here they drag the ships to the sea'.
3 Loading weapons and supplies
The Latin words mean: 'These men carry arms to the ships, and here they drag a wagon with wine and weapons'.
4 The invasion
The Latin words mean: 'These men carry arms to the ships, and here they drag a wagon with wine and weapons'.
5 Unloading the horses
The Latin words mean: 'The war-horses leave the ships'.
6 Looting
The Latin words mean: '... to steal food'.
7 Building a castle
Here Norman overseers force Saxon workmen to build a mound for a castle.
The Latin words mean: 'He [William] orders that a castle be built at Hastings'.
8 Destroying
The Latin words mean: 'Here a house is burned'.
