Continuities and beginnings

Abstract

In 1066 the English people fell for the first and we hope the last time to the ever-eager invader. In the use of their mother-tongue for literature and records, the English were the most advanced people in Europe. England was prosperous and relatively orderly, with a high level of freedom and culture. But prosperity, internal division and ignorance of advanced military technology invited attack from two Continental enemies, from Scandinavians on the north-east coast, and Normans from France on the south-east. Harold of England defeated the Danish Tostig at Stamford Bridge, then to meet the Norman assault rushed by forced marches to the south-east coast near Hastings, where the abbey of Battle, founded by a grateful William, the Bastard of Normandy, Conqueror of England, now stands. On that low hill Harold was defeated by the superior tactics of Norman cavalry and himself killed.