Edward the Confessor having left no direct heirs, the
choice of his successor fell lawfully upon the Witenagemot, [21] as the
national assembly of noblemen and higher clergy was called. This body chose as
king, Harold, earl of Wessex, the leading man in England. Harold's right to the
succession was disputed by William, duke of Normandy, who declared that the
crown had been promised to him by his cousin, the Confessor. William also
asserted that Harold had once sworn a solemn oath, over a chest of sacred
relics, to support his claim to the throne on Edward's death. When word came of
Harold's election, William wrathfully denounced him as a usurper and began to
prepare a fleet and an army for the invasion of England.
[21] "Meeting of wise men." The word gemot
or moot was used for any kind of formal meeting.
WILLIAM'S PREPARATIONS
Normandy under Duke William had become a powerful,
well-organized state. Norman knights, attracted by promises of wide lands and
rich booty, if they should conquer, formed the core of William's forces.
Adventurers from every part of France, and even from Spain and Italy, also
entered his service. The pope blessed the enterprise and sent to William a ring
containing a hair from St. Peter's head and a consecrated banner. When all was
ready in the late fall of 1066 A.D., a large fleet, bearing five or six
thousand archers, foot soldiers, and horsemen, crossed the Channel and landed
in England.
