The Invasion: Crossing the Channel and Landing at Pevensey

By late summer 1066, William was ready to launch his invasion. In August, a favorable wind finally allowed the fleet to set sail from the Normandy coast. After a brief stop in the Channel Islands, William’s army made landfall on the southern coast of England at Pevensey on September 28, 1066. The invasion was swift and efficient, and the Normans

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William’s Motivation and the Preparation for Invasion

William's claim to the English throne was based on both political and personal motivations. As the Duke of Normandy, William was already a powerful ruler in his own right, but the throne of England promised far greater wealth, territory, and influence. Moreover, William felt betrayed by Harold’s actions. According to William, Harold had not only

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Entertainment and Music: A Feast for the Eyes and Ears

A medieval feast was not only about the food but also about the entertainment that accompanied it. Music, dancing, and storytelling were central components of the celebration. Minstrels and troubadours would often perform songs of chivalry, love, and adventure, setting the tone for the evening and entertaining guests between courses. Jesters and

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