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How did William set out to conquer
01:00 Mon 24th Dec 2001 | History
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A.� William was furious when he heard that Edward had died and Harold had been made king. (Click here for the story of how he took the throne). He sent a series of threatening messages to Harold and the English court, advising them that Harold should give up the throne to him or suffer the consequences. He had invasion in mind, but first he got the political and moral support from his duchy, the rest of Europe, and the Pope. < xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
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Q.� And generally out the pressure on Harold
A.� Yes. In April, 1066, William's ally Tostig - Harold's brother, who vowed revenge after Harold deprived of his earldom of Northumbria - took a fleet of about 60 ships from Flanders to raid and plunder England's south-east coast. This put Harold's army constantly on the move. Tostig was eventually beaten and retreated to Scotland but Harold realised an invasion was imminent and started to mobilise a bigger army and navy.
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Q.� What did William do
A.� He used cunning - almost a charm offensive. He got the backing of the Pope, making his fight almost a religious crusade against the 'godless' Harold. He then raised an army with a payment of promises. The knights he recruited had to furnish their own horses, men, and equipment. Some agreed to provide ships. They would be paid back with lands if the invasion were successful. He also bought provisions for his gathering army, forbidding them to pillage the countryside. This made them popular with the locals.
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Q.� And his fleet
A.� By May, he had a fleet of 700 vessels, made of unseasoned wood and strong enough for only a one-way trip. They were small, wide and with a draft of only about 4ft. They could accommodate between them an army of about 12,000 men, 4,000 of them knights or other mounted troops. Then came a complication, which probably helped Harold lose his throne. Harald Hardraada decided to claim the English crown, too.
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Q.� Who was he
A.� King of Norway. Thirty years before, King Magnus of Norway and Harthecanute, King of England, made a pact that if either died without a direct heir, the other should inherit his kingdom. Harthecanute died without an heir, and Harald - Magnus's son - said he should therefore have been in line. Hardraada then attacked the north of England. On 20 September, Hardraada, with Tostig as an ally, sailed up the Ouse with more than 10,00 men in 200 long ships. He burned Scarborough, and then marched on York. Harold faced a dilemma.
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Q.� Why
A.� Should he stay in the south - to deal with William - or go north to defeat Hardraada He chose to go north. He met his enemies at Stamford Bridge, near York. It was an amazing victory. He attacked the Vikings from a hill and quickly routed them. Both Hardraad and Tostig were killed. The English were jubilant. Soon they would deal with that troublesome Norman with similar success. But first they needed to rest. Bad news came on 30 September. William had landed in the south. Harold needed to get his men there as soon as possible.
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Next week: The Battle
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Steve Cunningham
