1066 Episode 1: The Shadows of War...

Why is 1066 the most important year in English history? Who were the three main candidates vying for the English throne on the eve of Edward the Confessor’s death? And how did the coronation of one of them on the 14th of October 1066 trigger one of the most famous invasions of all time? Join Tom and Dominic as they launch into the dramatic series of events, at the dawn of 1066, that sparked the build up to the Battle of Hastings… 0:00 – Edward the Confessor 5:04 – Why 1066 captivates: high drama, three warlords, and the convergence of civilizations 6:11 – Game of Thrones comparison 7:05 – The rise of Westminster 10:51 – Edward dies 11:44 – The Witan must decide quickly. 20:06 – The Witan selects Harold Godwinson 24:22 – Harold crowned immediately 25:26 – Tostig Godwinson (Harold’s brother), exiled and furious, begins seeking allies for revenge. 28:04 – Halley’s Comet appears 31:10 – Tostig raids the Isle of Wight and then Lincolnshire 33:37 – Harold raises a huge force to defend England, knowing William will attack 36:06 – England’s military strength 38:20 – Housecarls: Harold’s elite paid infantry 41:02 – National mobilization described as comparable to total wars of the 20th century 43:04 – William’s preparations 47:03 – Normans’ military edge 48:43 – William’s religious and ideological support: the Papal reform movement under Hildebrand 51:03 – William receives the Papal banner, turning invasion into a holy war. 54:04 – Summer delays 56:20 – Shocking news Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett Social Producer: Harry Balden Video Editor: Jack Meek Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor