1066
Research paper
The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle
(1066)
Ms HOLIN Sophie
British Civilization
Mrs BRAY & Mrs CARON
Université Catholique de Lille
November 29th 2007
This text is an extract from the Peterborough version of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, which is a collection of annals narrating the Anglo-Saxon history. The first edition of these annals was written during Alfred the Great’s reign; that is to say during the ninth century. But there are different versions according to the regions. That is why each manuscript shows its author’s subjectivity. These chronicles are a primary source of the time, as well as the Bayeux Tapestry. They were written by monks, that is why we can feel the religious dimension and morality throughout the work. They collected the pieces of information and gathered them in the annals.
Nevertheless, the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle omits some key elements of the English history, is written very simply and avoids long explanations. These elements enhance the biased dimension of the texts. Moreover, the manuscripts were copied, sent to monasteries where they were updated; that is why some elements are more or less developed according to the regions.
In this extract, it is obvious that the year 1066 is turning point in English history, with the coronation of a Norman Duke, William of Normandy. And this turning point raises one main question:
What led to the Norman victory of 1066, and their sudden domination of England?
Thus, the most important thing before dealing with the year 1066 is to be recalled of the historical background of the two main battles of 1066, such as Edward’s several pretenders and the reasons why the rebelled. Then, we must focus on the external elements which led to this turning point, such as the battle of Stamford Bridge and the divine elements like the comet-star which appeared soon after Kind Harold’s coronation. Finally, we must have a look at William the Conqueror’s accession...
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