Before the Day of the Battle
1. Time in Normandy
“Know thy enemy, know thyself.”
In order to understand the day in greater depth, we need to dial back in time a couple of years.
I don’t suggest we re-examine every part of what happens at length because that has been well documented in the past and will subtract from our goal of making the day of the battle clearer, but it’s worth stating a few things so it’s out in the open.
In late 1064 or early 1065, Harold went to Normandy. The exact details of why and the misfortunes he faced are not part of this book. Instead, what we are going to look at is the personal time Harold spent with William.
By all accounts, Harold was treated well.He dined with William, they hunted together, and Harold even went on skirmishes and a military expedition against Conan II of Brittany, who was besieging Dol.
During this time, William had ample opportunity to observe Harold, discover what kind of a man he was, how he thought strategically, and most likely what his life was like back in England. We don’t need any crystal ball to tell us that in suchsupposedly ‘friendly’ company, you talk about thesethings and lower your guard.
We don’t know exactly what passed between them, or what William learned, but later events suggest he learned a good deal, which he was able to use to his advantage.
Harold is reportedly forcedto make an oath on religious relics in the question of supporting William’s claim to the throne of England in order to secure his release.
He returns to England, and a year later, Edward the confessor dies, nominating William as King, but the Witan (the royal council) elects Harold instead. Harold was crowned King on January 6th, 1066.
Clearly, William is incensed by this.
He declares his intention to invade England and take what he sees as his.
His barons are less than happy about this and try to persuade William against such a bold and seemingly impossible ambition.
William gives the following extremely interesting answer: “But the duke encouraged the doubters with this speech. ‘We know’, he said, ‘Harold’s wisdom; it inspires us with fear, but increases our hope’.” WOP.
Here then, William shows that he respects Harold and his process of action, but it also shows that William can see a way to guard against it. ‘Inspires us with fear, but increases our hope.’