Cassell's History of England, Vol. 1 (of 8) From the Roman Invasion to the Wars of the Roses
CHAPTER X.
THE NORMAN INVASION.
The Normans--Their Settlement in France--Their Gradual Civilization--Richard the Good--Robert the Devil--William's earlier years--His Consolidation of Power--Harold's Adventures in Normandy and the Story of his Oath to William--Death and Character of Edward--Election of Harold--William's Claims--He Obtains the Sanction of the Church--His Preparations--Proceedings of Tostig--Harold's Forces dwindle--Invasion of Tostig and Harold Hardrada--Battle of Stamford Bridge--Landing of William--Harold in London--Desertion of Edwin and Morcar--Negotiations--Harold at Senlac--Account of the Battle--Death of Harold and Discomfiture of the English--His Burial--Legend of his Escape 75