The Norman Invaders March To
Hastings
The Norman invaders
led by Duke William landed at Pevensey on the South coast of
England on September 28th 1066 and immediately initiated work
on the first Norman wooden castle
The next day, 29th
September, they marched along the sea-shore to Hastings.
Near that place the Duke fortified a camp, and set up the two
other wooden castles he had brought with him from Normandy.
The foragers, and
those who looked out for booty, seized all the clothing and
provisions they could find, lest what had been brought by the
ships should fail them. The English were to be seen fleeing
before them, driving off their cattle, and quitting their
houses. Many took shelter in churches and cemeteries, the
whole of the population were terrified of the invading
Normans.
Besides the marauders from the Norman camp, strong bodies of
cavalry were detached by William into the country. These
knights were looking for signs of the English Saxon army.
When Harold and his army made their rapid march from London to
the South coast they reported back that the Saxon King was
rushing on like a madman.
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