۱۰۶۶: سال فتح

Illustrations to chapter headings by Gareth Floyd. The year 1066 is one of the most important dates in the history of the Western world: the year William the Conqueror defeated the English at the Battle of Hastings and changed England and the English forever. The events leading to-and following-this turning point in history are shrouded in mystery. Distorted by the biased accounts written by a subjugated people, many believe it was the English who ultimately won the battle, since the Normans became assimilated into the English way of life. Drawing on a wealth of contemporary sources, David Howarth gives us memorable portraits of the kings: Edward the Confessor, Harold of England, William of Normandy, as well as the leading political figures of the time. Howarth describes the English commoners: how they worked, fought, died, and how they perceived the overthrow of their world from their isolated shires. INTRODUCTION 7 England - New Year's Day ii Death of a King - January 4 27 Coronation - January 5 49 Rouen - January 10 60 The Comet - April 18 77 Normandy - Spring 91 Norway - Summer 104 North Wind - August 10 - September 12 117 York - September 20-23 130 The English Channel - September 28 142 The Challenge - October 3-13 156 Hastings - October 14 166 London - October 15 - December 25 185 England - New Year's Eve 197 SOURCES AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 202 INDEX 203 Examines chronologically the events of the year during which the Normans invaded and conquered England, discusses the leading personalities of that time, and describes the everyday life of the common Englishman. The context of the year 1066 from the death of Edward the Confessor in January until Christmas coronation of duke William of Normandy