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