6mo ago

Is the biggest march in English history a myth? My research shows King Harold [REDACTED] to the battle of Hastings

Is the biggest march in English history a myth? My research shows King Harold sailed down to the battle of Hastings

intro:

In 1066, England was invaded by multiple foreign powers. A northern force led by King Harald Hardrada of Norway advanced on York via the River Humber, while a southern force, led by Duke William of Normandy (later William I the Conqueror) crossed the Channel with forces from Normandy, France, Brittany and Ponthieu, and took up position at Hastings.

King Harold of England had to dash up from London to deal with the Vikings, only to hurry back south again to deal with William. A distance of more than 250 miles separated his victory at Stamford Bridge (on September 25) from Battle, the site of his defeat (on October 14) at the Battle of Hastings.

His "almost miraculous" march, as one historian described it, became part of Harold's legend. It's now taught in schools, recreated by re-enactors and depicted in TV dramas such as the recent BBC miniseries, King and Conqueror (2025)…

Spoiler for the lazy:

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Freeman called the march "almost miraculous." And such a march would be. Sailing, however, would have taken a few days and allowed the English army a chance to rest. Since the sources track the movements of the fleet but nowhere mention a march, it would appear that Harold used ships for all his operations.

If Harold used ships, of course, he cannot be accused of "reckless and impulsive haste," and the cause of his defeat at the Battle of Hastings must be sought elsewhere.