How Britain bypassed history

Times ^ | August 24, 2006 | Clive Aslet

[SunkenCiv]

It was where King Harold inflicted his devastating surprise attack on Harold Hardrada, the giant of a Norseman who had sided with William the Conqueror, along with Harold’s brother Tostig. The Viking force was annihilated. King Harold showed great qualities as a general. It is an essential element in 1066. Unfortunately part of the battlefield is now under a housing estate.

As I toured 500 historical sites for my book Landmarks of Britain, I couldn’t help reflecting on the way we treat our past. Battlefields, in particular, have fared badly. In 1982, I visited Naseby, not only the decisive battle of the Civil War but one of the most vivid in terms of the contrast of its leading players. A bypass, part of the A14, was built on land over which Prince Rupert charged. But recent archaeology is forcing military historians to reconsider some aspects of their interpretation. Part of the archaeological record has now been forever lost under four lanes of tarmac.

[SunkenCiv]

[SunkenCiv]

Military history pingworthy? Analogous point of view can be found in those who lament the loss of Civil War battlefields.

Just adding this to the GGG catalog, not sending a general distribution.

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[indcons]

Thanks for the ping, SunkenCiv.

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[PzLdr]

Hadrada sided with Tostig, not with William, and pursued his own claim to the English throne. They were two separate invasions of England launched by two separate claimants to the English throne.

[Tallguy]

I don't know how a 'historian' could have gotten that one wrong. This is pretty basic to the story line of 1066.

[SunkenCiv]

Yes, that's true. I just excerpted the article.

Hardraada probably had something else in mind in the long run; he was supposed to be awarded Northumbria had they succeeded, but given his history, he probably wouldn't have stopped there.

There's a cool anecdote from before the battle -- as a reward for supporting Harold, Tostig would have been given the lands north of the Humber. When Tostig's party asked what Hardraada's share was to be, the herald said, six feet of English ground, or however much more his height would require.

And then it was on. ;')