There is an alternative perspective in John’s beloved Torygraph letters page which perhaps explains why some are happy to have a service of rememberance
SIR – No doubt we shall be subjected today, as in 1966, to the celebration of what was arguably the lowest point in English history. Those who take part in this should study the seven centuries before October 14 1066, when an unelected earl invaded the most advanced civilisation north of the Alps.
In the months before the Battle of Hastings, King Harold II had raised three armies to counter the expected invasion, an indication of the military organisation of the time. He had continued his everyday governance, had his coinage issued by 45 mints, and had taken his army from the South to York in four days to defeat the vast Norwegian army of Harald Hardrada, thus effectively ending the “Viking age”.
However, the professional core of his army was depleted, and he had to return with his horsed soldiers to London, gathering his fourth army en route and waiting in London for more men. His army consisted of the Housecarls (trained professionals); the trained militia; and the fyrd (lightly armoured volunteers). The element of surprise in York did not materialise at Hastings. There followed five years of resistance, William’s slaughter of thousands in Northumbria, and final defeat.
It is wrong to describe the period before 1066 as the Dark Ages. This civilisation was seen by William’s chroniclers as superior to their own. The developments in agriculture, building, administration, coinage, education, literacy and law deserve far more recognition, especially given that the Norman conquest led to decades of land deprivation, the loss of women’s rights, excessive taxation, wars in Europe and civil wars at home – all under the harsh rule of a foreign military elite.
After more than 60 years of interest, I continue to be surprised by the achievements of this period.
Sign In
