1066 and the Battle of Hastings: Preludes, Events and Postscripts

Written by historians who actually live in Battle, East Sussex, the scene of the Battle of Hastings, this book delves into the background stories and events of 1066. It subtly puts the fateful year into the context of the histories, places, people and politics involved in eastern Sussex, as well as further afield, across the English Channel and North Sea. It is the story of how 1066 came to be the best-remembered date in the English speaking world. Many strands accumulated for thousands of years to create the circumstances that led to the battle. But there are large numbers of confusing myths, fabrications and unproven or unprovable inventions of theories around the subject. So the authors went back to the basics, with local geographic and English cultural histories, portrayals of the main events, and histories of the main protagonists – Harold Godwinson and William II of Normandy – and their families, and they have put together a book of interlocking essays. These tell the history of 1066 as accurately but briefly, and above all as enjoyably as possible. Where alternative explanations or doubts arise these are discussed logically and candidly, and raise the odd question. Keith Foord and Neil Clephane-Cameron were advised by historians Prof. John Gillingham FBA, and Prof. David Bates FRSA, FSA, FRHistS, but the words of the book are all their own. This book is the 2nd in the ‘Early History Trilogy of Battle and Eastern Sussex’