LITMIR.BIZ

       William, Duke of Normandy, as depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry

      Knowing that he could not do it alone, he broached this idea to his magnates and received a mixed reception; some supported his desire to invade from the start, but others were going to need more convincing. According to the French writer, William of Poitiers, they believed that taking the throne of England in this way was an ‘arduous enterprise’ which went ‘well beyond the power of the Norman forces’.

      Undeterred by the reaction of his magnates, William took his cause to the highest authority in Medieval Europe; the Pope. Fortunately for William, his embassy was successful and secured papal support for the invasion, including a banner for use in battle. This act of propaganda was immensely powerful; William now had God on his side and nobody would challenge his plans for an invasion. To sweeten his magnates, he promised enough supplies for the invasion and lands in England to all those who would join him. William had now set the wheels in motion; he was ready to bring England under Norman control.

      April 1066: A Divine Omen?

       At that time a star appeared in the north-west, its three-forked tail stretched far into the southern sky remaining visible for fifteen days; and it was portended, as many said, a change in some kingdom.

      William of Jumieges

      Halley’s Comet appeared in the skies above England on 24 April 1066 and was interpreted as an event of major significance. People believed that it was a divine symbol, a warning that dangers would soon threaten the kingdom. Nobody could predict how soon this danger would come, or in what form, but the English would not have to wait too long.

      Tostig: A New Problem

      Tostig Godwinson was Harold’s younger brother and, like the rest of his family, rose to become a prominent figure in English politics. As the earl of Northumbria, Tostig enjoyed great wealth and power over a vast area of northern England. But the situation changed in 1065 when a group of nobles rebelled against him with accusations of misrule and injustice. It became so serious that King Edward sent Harold to intervene. This had a significant impact on Tostig’s relationship with Harold, his brother, creating competition and driving a wedge between the two men.

      In late 1065 Tostig’s earldom was confiscated and, after dismembering several of Harold’s servants and attempting to serve them up at a banquet, he was expelled from England. He was given refuge by his father-in-law, the count of Flanders and, sometime after his arrival in France, visited William in Normandy. The details of their meeting are unknown, but it appears that Tostig intended on forming an alliance with the duke and taking revenge on his brother Harold.

      Unfortunately for Tostig, William had no interest in his plans for an alliance. The duke had already begun preparations for his forthcoming invasion and had gained the support of his noblemen and the Church. Tostig was, however, undeterred. In his attempts to muster support, he travelled north to rally King Swein of Denmark, and claimant to the English throne, King Harald Hardrada of Norway. Swein was quick to dismiss him but, in Hardrada, Tostig had found a sympathetic ear.

      May 1066: Tostig Returns to England

      Shortly after the appearance of Halley’s Comet, Tostig set out on a solo expedition to England and landed on the Isle of Wight. The islanders, probably very surprised by his presence, treated him in the same way as a Viking raider; they paid him off with food and money in the hope that he would leave. Within a few days he set off once again, this time landing at Thanet and meeting up with his friend and supporter, Copsi. While Tostig was the earl of Northumbria, Copsi had acted as his deputy, carrying out vital administrative functions and overseeing the general governing of the earldom. In 1065, Copsi was expelled from England alongside his lord, possibly accompanying him to Flanders, though the exact details are unknown. Contemporary writers, like Ordericus Vitalis and William of Poitiers, portrayed Copsi as an honest, faithful and loyal servant, ready to protect and advance the interests of his lord at a moment’s notice. Thus it is hardly surprising that Tostig turned to Copsi in his hour of need.