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Jan 1, 1066
Edward the Confessor dies.
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Period: Jan 1, 1066 to Dec 1, 1066
start and end
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May 1, 1066
Tostig makes an abortive attempt to invade England.
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Sep 20, 1066
After sailing up the Ouse with more than 10,000 men in 200 longships, Harald Hardrada and Tostig defeat the hastily assembled forces of Earls Edwin & Morcar at Fulford outside York.
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Sep 25, 1066
Harold responds by scraping together a scratch force made up largely of his own housecarls and personal followers
In four days, he has marched 180 miles, and surprised the Norwegian army outside York at Stamford Bridge. Harold offers Tostig his earldom back if he will turn on Harald, but Tostig refuses. Legend has a lone berserker axeman defending the bridge until the sneaky English paddle under the bridge in a barrel and thrust a spear up through the wooden slats. Harald & Tostig both fall at the head of their men. -
Sep 28, 1066
William's fleet makes landfall at Pevensey completely unopposed
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Oct 1, 1066
While at York, Harold learns of William's landing
He marches back down Ermine Street, stopping to pray at Waltham Abbey on the way. By 12th October, he is back in London and gathering what forces he could to face William. -
Oct 14, 1066
Norman advance to London on Senlac Ridge at the site of Battle with an army of little more than 5,000
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Dec 25, 1066
the war continues until Christmas 1066
deal is struck between William and the English magnates in which he guarantees their positions in return for their support. William is crowned King of England on Christmas Day in London by Archbishops Ealdred and Stigand. Edwin, Morcar and Waltheof swear allegiance to him