History of the Anglo-Saxons, from the Earliest Period to the Norman Conquest: Second Edition — John Stuart Mill — John Shaqi
History of the Anglo-Saxons, from the Earliest Period to the Norman Conquest: Second Edition
John Stuart Mill · en
Harold shipwrecked upon the coast of France--Is made captive,
and carried to the fortress of Beaurain--Is released by the
intervention of William of Normandy--Harold's interview with
Duke William at Rouen--Affected kindness of the Norman duke--
William cautiously unfolds his designs on the crown of England--
His proposition to Harold--Offers Harold his daughter, Adeliza,
in marriage--Duke William's stratagem--Harold's oath on the
relics of the saints--Description of William the Norman's
courtship--Character of Matilda of Flanders--Harold's return
to England--The English people alarmed by signs and omens--
Appearance of a comet in England--Description of the death of
Edward the Confessor p. 304
CHAPTER XXXVII.
ACCESSION OF HAROLD, THE SON OF GODWIN.
Harold elected king of England by the Saxon witenagemot--
Becomes a great favourite with his subjects--Restores the
Saxon customs--Conduct of William the Norman on hearing that
Harold had ascended the throne of England--Tostig, Harold's
brother, forms a league with Harold Hardrada, the last of the
sea-kings--Character of Harold Hardrada--His adventures in
the east--He prepares to land in England--Tostig awaits
his arrival in Northumbria--The duke of Normandy's message
to Harold king of the Saxons--Harold's answer--He marries
the sister of Morkar of Northumbria--Duke William makes
preparations for the invasion of England--Arrival of Harold
Hardrada with his Norwegian fleet--Superstitious feeling of
the Norwegian soldiers--He joins Tostig, the son of Godwin--
They burn Scarborough, and enter the Humber--Harold, by a rapid
march, reaches the north--He prevents the surrender of York
--Preparation for the battle--Harold surprises the enemy--
Description of the combat--Harold offers peace to his brother
--The offer rejected--Description of the battle--Deaths of
Harold Hardrada and Tostig--Harold's victory p. 314
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
ENGLAND INVADED BY THE NORMANS.