Another important date – October 14th
All images courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
The battle lasted all day and the outcome changed the life of the Anglo-Saxons (English) forever. William, henceforth always referred to as ‘William the Conqueror’, spoke only French and never mastered English. Therefore the Norman invasion ensured that for centuries French was the official language of England. The last French-speaking king was Richard II, who died in 1399.
After his victory William marched to London and was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, 1066.
Four years later, in 1070, Pope Alexander II ordered William to make penance for his invasion of England. William commissioned the building of Battle Abbey on the site of his conquest as a memorial to the dead. The high altar was placed at the exact spot where Harold met his death.
The story of the Norman Conquest is told in the Bayeux Tapestry, which was made in England soon after the Battle of Hastings. It consists of 58 panels of linen embroidered in wool with scenes from the Conquest. Today it is housed in the Bayeux Tapestry Museum in Bayeux, France. A replica tapestry, created in 1885, hangs in the Bayeux Gallery of Reading Museum.
I knew 1066 was important but couldn't remember why, know I know it was the Battle of Hastings, I remember my older sister always being proud that she could remember the date and why. She struggled a lot in school but was very good with dates and what happened.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if today's children know about 1066. I shall have to find out.
DeleteI must say that the Domesday Book and the Bayeux Tapestry are the two most amazing "small" relics I have seen in connection to this era of history. Battle Abbey is fascinating because it was built on the site of the Battle of Hastings, but I must say that I enjoyed examining the smalls much more.
ReplyDeleteEach one most impressive in its own way.
DeleteA very momentous day in our history. I loved visiting Battle; a fascinating place. One of those dates most school children remember. B x
ReplyDeleteI was hopeless at dates, but even I remembered that one. Janice x
DeleteI have always known the year, 1066, but never the date, very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI'd never thought about the date before I wrote this post.
DeleteI live quite near to where the Battle of Stamford Bridge took place, prior to the Battle of Hastings. It is almost impossible to imagine how the Saxon army managed to fight a battle there before walking all the way to the south coast, fighting another battle on arrival and almost winning that one too before the tide of the battle turned and they were defeated. I have never visited the site of the Battle of Hastings, but I think I might take the modern option of a car or train if I decide to go!
ReplyDeleteThey were certainly tough people living and fighting in tough times.
DeleteI have been in Hastings quite often, it's not far from
ReplyDeleteEastbourne. The history I didn't know because my friend Anne was always busy to look for clothes and husband Doug looked for a place to eat the best Hamburger in the region. And I doubt that Hamburgers existed at the time. I read a bit of the battle of Hastings and enjoyed several folk festivals.
It's years since I visited Hastings
DeleteTwo splendid examples of a stained-glass craftsman.
ReplyDeleteBattle is relatively close to where I live, and the link with 1066 is probably why my brain tends to remember the words and numbers 'cemented' together for all time. lol
The window was made by Michael Charles Farrar Bell. He designed pub signs and postage stamps, too!
ReplyDeleteIt’s an interesting piece of history. We visited Battle about 15 years ago and we did the tour, with the headphone etc etc! I loved it! I also recall seeing the replica Bayeaux Tapestry, when I was very young. I also love the stained glass windows. 😁
ReplyDeleteHistory is interesting though I sometimes wonder if we learn the lessons from it as thoroughly as we could.
ReplyDeleteThose stained glass windows are absolutely stunning Janice. I have actually heard of the Domesday book but did not know the story behind it. Now i do - thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love stained glass and admire the artists who work with it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know nearly enough about English history, so it's always a pleasure to learn more. I have been to Battle Abbey though! xxx
ReplyDeleteMy grasp on history is fairly slight but I do find it interesting.
ReplyDeleteOf course October 14th is an important date, my birthday.
ReplyDeleteHappy birthday, Andrew. I hope it was a good day for you.
DeleteWe had the Battle of Hastings, William the Conquerer and the Domesday Book drilled into our heads in history class but I am sorry to say it didn't stay in mine beyond regurgitation on the final exam! I found all history dry and boring when I was in school. Now I like it. My younger self would be amazed. Thank you for the brief refresher; this time around I suspect it will stay put in my noggin :)
ReplyDeleteIf it's taught in an interesting way, any subject can capture the imagination. Like you, my experience of history at school was dire!
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