The Norman Threat

What was the Norman threat to England in 1066?

Since Harold's coronation, reports had informed him that William, Duke of Normandy was preparing an invasion fleet. Harold had stationed an army and a fleet on the south coast, but by September this had been disbanded.

Why did Harold leave England unprotected against the Norman threat in 1066?

Events showed that abandoning the south coast to face the Vikings was not a good decision for Harold to make. However, he had a number of reasons for doing so.

• ❖ The fyrd needed to return home and look after their farms and families, and to gather the harvest.
• ❖ The Viking invasion presented a more immediate threat.
• ❖ The September storms had wrecked some of Harold's ships, and had probably affected William's in the same way.
• ❖ There was a strong northerly wind that prevented the Normans from sailing when originally planned.
• ❖ It was difficult to keep a standing army for a long time, and Harold knew that William must have faced the same difficulties that he had.

How did Harold respond to the Norman threat in 1066?

Harold faced the Norman threat by gathering a huge army and fleet from the fyrd on the south coast. However, in September this was disbanded, and Harold marched north to deal with the Vikings.

When was the Norman threat finally realised in 1066?

On 1st October, 1066, less than a week after the Battle of Stamford Bridge, King Harold received word that William and the Norman army had landed on the south coast on 28th September.