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New Research Upends History of Battle that Doomed the Last Anglo-Saxon King
New research shows King Harold used a coordinated naval strategy in 1066, challenging the myth of a 200-mile overland march, said historian Tom Licence.
- Ahead of the tapestry's loan later this year, the University of East Anglia research argues the 200‑mile march story is a 'misunderstanding' of the Anglo‑Saxon Chronicle, as Tom Licence will present at Oxford on March 24.
- A misreading of the Anglo‑Saxon Chronicle led Victorian-era historians for at least 150 years to interpret that Harold dismissed his fleet, creating the over 200-mile march story.
- Examining primary sources, Licence found King Harold sailed north, defeated Harald Hardrada on September 26, 1066, and returned by ship, with no evidence of a forced march, he said.
- Licence says the reinterpretation casts King Harold as a competent commander rather than reckless, coinciding with the 68‑metre Bayeux Tapestry's 10‑month display at the British Museum that has drawn criticism.
- 1066 remains central to national memory, and the Bayeux Tapestry's scene of Harold shot in the eye contrasts earliest sources describing his death by four Norman knights, fueling debate among historians and reenactors.
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King Harold's 200-mile march to Battle of Hastings a 'myth', historian says
King Harold's legendary 200-mile march across England to confront the invading William the Conqueror at the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066 is probably a "myth", recent research suggests. Rather than racing on foot, the Anglo-Saxon leader more likely relied on a coordinated naval strategy.
·Paris, France
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution82% Center
Bias Distribution
- 82% of the sources are Center
82% Center
L 18%
C 82%
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