Bayeux Tapestry Letter

The Bayeux Tapestry was one of the most memorable and successful battles that I have ever participated in as a Norman soldier. The battle was fought between the mighty Norman soldiers and the English soldiers. It was also called the Battle of Hastings because it was fought in Hastings, England. Harold, who was the king of England at the time of the battle, had murdered his brother, and thus, his position as king was disputed. The Duke of Normandy, the Conqueror led my side, the Normans to war. In reality, William was supposed to be the King of England, and this battle was meant to prove this. Duke William has been known to be extremely successful in the battlefield, and this has branded him as a victorious military commander. Before the battle, we travelled by water to England (BBC, 2010). There was an incredibly large fleet of warfare ships, which were used to transport me, the duke and other soldiers who fought in the war. The ship used by William was commonly known as the Mora, and it was the biggest from among the other ships. People close to Duke William said that the ship was a gift from his wife who was called Mathilda. The ship was extremely fast. Apart from the duke, there were other leaders, such as Odo, the Bishop of Bayeux. The number of soldiers was around seven thousand men. In Norman culture, the first born son inherits all the properties of the family, the rest of the sons are left to fend for themselves, unless the first born son decides to share his wealth with them. Most of the time, these sons choose to serve in war. This explains the excessive number of Norman soldiers. There were also other supporters of the duke that had come to support him, bringing with them able men to fight in the war. Bishop Odo came with the Bretons. There were also the French, who had been urged to join in the war by William. In return for their service to the duke, they were promised pieces of land. There were the Flemish as well, who would also get pieces of land.

References: Barrow, Mandy. (2011). The Normans in Britain. Retrieved on August 8, 2011 from http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/bt/who.htm British Battles.com. (2010). The Norman Conquest of England. Retrieved on August 8, 2011 from http://www.britishbattles.com/norman-conquest/battle-hastings.htm Kelly, Patrick. (2011). The Normans. Retrieved on August 8, 2011 from http://www.albion- swords.com/articles/norman.htm