Discover the Untold Story of Autumn 1066: The End of Anglo Saxon Dominance

Picture yourself in the autumn of 1066. The wind carries a chill, and the leaves are ablaze with vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. Amongst this picturesque scenery, a pivotal moment in history is about to unfold.

The Anglo Saxon era, which spanned over four centuries, had seen its fair share of conflicts and power struggles. But it was in the autumn of 1066 that everything changed. This article uncovers the events and key characters that led to the end of Anglo Saxon dominance.

The Battle of Hastings

One cannot discuss Autumn 1066 without mentioning the Battle of Hastings. It was a battle that forever altered the course of English history. On October 14th, on a hill near Hastings, two forces clashed - the Anglo Saxons, led by King Harold II, and the Normans, led by William the Conqueror.

Autumn 1066: When Anglo-Saxon dominance ended

by Jack Eason(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	140 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Legend has it that the battle was initiated due to William's claim to the English throne. Harold II, having just ascended to the throne days earlier, was faced with the daunting task of defending his kingdom from this foreign invader.

The Battle of Hastings was a fierce and bloody struggle, lasting an entire day. In the end, the Normans emerged victorious, and King Harold II tragically lost his life. This marked the official end of Anglo Saxon dominance in England.

The Norman Conquest and Its Impact

With the Norman Conquest, a new era began in England. The Normans brought with them a different language, culture, and form of governance. Anglo Saxon customs were gradually replaced as the Normans imposed their own feudal system.

This transformative period led to significant changes in England's political, social, and economic landscape. The power shifted from the Anglo Saxons to the Normans, and their influence continued to shape England for centuries to come.

Key Figures of Autumn 1066

Autumn 1066 was marked by the presence of many notable individuals, each playing a crucial role in the events that unfolded. Understanding these key figures will provide a deeper insight into this transitional period.

King Harold II

Harold II, also known as Harold Godwinson, was the last Anglo Saxon king of England. He faced immense challenges during his brief reign, including defending his kingdom against both Viking invasions and the Norman Conquest.

William the Conqueror

William the Conqueror is perhaps one of the most well-known characters from this era. Born in Normandy, he claimed the English throne and became the first Norman king of England after his victory at the Battle of Hastings.

Edgar the Ætheling

Edgar the Ætheling was a young claimant to the English throne and a member of the royal English family. Despite his minor involvement in the Battle of Hastings, his name lingers as a reminder of what could have been.

Harald Hardrada

Harald Hardrada, a Viking warrior and King of Norway, also played a part in the events of Autumn 1066. His failed invasion of England coincided with William the Conqueror's conquest, further highlighting the significance of this period.

Legacy and Historical Significance

The end of Anglo Saxon dominance in 1066 marked the start of a new chapter in English history. The Norman Conquest forever shaped the political, linguistic, and cultural landscape of England. It established a precedent for the monarchy and left an indelible mark on the nation.

The Bayeux Tapestry

No discussion about Autumn 1066 would be complete without mentioning the Bayeux Tapestry. This remarkable embroidered piece of cloth depicts the events leading up to and including the Battle of Hastings, providing us with valuable insights into this period.

, Autumn 1066 remains a prominent milestone in English history. The end of Anglo Saxon dominance and the rise of the Normans left an enduring impact that continues to shape England to this day. Reflecting on this transformative period allows us to revisit the past and appreciate the events that led to the England we know today.

Autumn 1066: When Anglo-Saxon dominance ended

by Jack Eason(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	140 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Down the centuries the British Isles has always been seen by invaders as a legitimate target for exploitation. This novella concerns the last few weeks of Anglo-Saxon occupation, ending on the 14th of October, 1066.

In Autumn 1066, author Jack Eason gives a great sense of ‘place’, of detail. The reader is right ‘there’ in that poignant year, marching, shivering with September cold (as ‘…no warming fires were allowed lest ‘enemy spies would soon spot their approach.’)

From the very first few lines, Eason, practising his unique drycraft, begins to weave his particular brand of magic on his reader. Eason glamour's with well-crafted dialogue, drawing his reader into the time and into the action. To accomplish this, the author proffers a gentle blend of informative nomenclature coupled with familiar speech, to ease the reader into his story without distancing with words too unfamiliar, which is a criticism frequently made of Bernard Cornwell’s epics.

I long to read more

Martin Bradley