Bayeux Tapestry Experience

Bayeux Tapestry Experience

Dear family,

I hope you find this letter in the best spirit and health. I am writing you to inform you that I am still alive and that I have experienced some unpleasant situations. The Bayeux Tapestry was one of the most memorable and successful battles that I have ever participated in as a Norman soldier. The battle was fought between the strong Norman soldiers and the English soldiers. The battle of Hastings (a small town) saw the clash of two military systems. The Saxon army, centred on the King’s personal bodyguard of “housecarles”, comprised the universal levy, the “Fyrd”, led by the local leaders of each shire with their households. Thank god I am still alive. Most of my soldiers are dead or wounded. In the summer of 1066, I was a part of an army of noblemen and adventurers from across Northern France to invade England, promising lands and titles in the name of the new kingdom to my followers and obtaining the support of the Pope for the venture.

I was a part of a fleet of around 1,000 vessels, designed in the style of the old Norse “Dragon Ships” (80 feet long; propelled by oars and a single sail), was built and assembled to convey the army across the Channel. We also had soldiers who could afford it wore leather jackets with steel chain or ring mail sewn into the leather and a conical helmet with a nose guard, carrying a spear, sword and the characteristic kite shaped shield. Archers in my army were armed with a short bow. It was no secret that we intended to invade England.

We laid ready to cross the Channel, after being held in port for the duration of the summer by contrary winds, when Harold received the news that a Norwegian army led by King Harald Hadrada with Harold’s renegade brother Tostig had landed in Yorkshire after sailing up the Ouse. Harold marched his army north and routed the invaders at the battle of Stamford Bridge, in which both Harald Hadrada and Tostig were killed. The timing could...