CHAPTER XXII.

CORONATION OF THE CONQUEROR:--William marches towards London--The Abbot and inhabitants of St. Albans oppose him--William, doubting the propriety of accepting the crown, holds a council of war--The speech of Aimery de Thouars decides the council--Christmas day, 1066, is fixed for the coronation--The ceremony is performed by Aldred, Archbishop of York; Stigand, Archbishop of Canterbury declining to crown him--Tumult during the coronation--The lion banner of Normandy is planted on the Tower of London, and the south and east of England given to William's followers--He embarks for Normandy--His enthusiastic reception--He refuses to take the oath of fealty to the Pope