How far did Harold walk to get to the Battle of Hastings?

60 miles
After arriving in London, Harold lingered there for a day or two, resting his veterans from the campaign in the north and absorbing reinforcements arriving daily. Then the king moved the 96 km to where the enemy was encamped, near Hastings.

Where did William arrive at the Battle of Hastings?

Pevensey
On 28 September 1066, William landed in England at Pevensey, on the southeast coast of Britain, with approximately 7,000 troops and cavalry.

Who gave William their blessing at the Battle of Hastings?

Pope Alexander II
The Story of 1066: Collectables The Normans were led into battle by a cross banner, which appears twice in the Bayeux Tapestry. This banner was personally blessed and sent to William by Pope Alexander II, the head of the Church to which all Christians belonged.

Why was Harold sent to the Battle of Hastings?

According to Norman accounts, Edward sent Harold, Earl of Wessex, to Normandy in 1064 to confirm his promise to William, and Harold swore to defend William's claim. Nevertheless, Edward on his deathbed gave the kingship to Harold, who was crowned the next day.

Who was William's opponent at the Battle of Hastings?

The deaths of Tostig and Hardrada at Stamford Bridge left William as Harold's only serious opponent. While Harold and his forces were recovering, William landed his invasion forces in southern England at Pevensey on 28 September 1066, establishing a beachhead for his conquest of the kingdom.

How large was William's army at the Battle of Hastings?

William assembled a force of 4,000–7,000, composed of archers and crossbowmen, heavy infantry and mounted knights on the Continent, before sailing for England. Harold's army numbered around 7,000 men, many of whom were half-armed untrained peasants. He lacked archers and cavalry and had mobilized almost half of England's trained soldiers.

How did Harold prepare for the invasion of William?

The English army does not appear to have had a significant number of archers. Harold had spent mid-1066 on the south coast with a large army and fleet waiting for William to invade. The bulk of his forces were militia who needed to harvest their crops, so on 8 September Harold dismissed the militia and navy.