Chapter XVI

THE INTERREGNUM.
October 15–December 25, 1066.

The throne vacant; William expects a general
submission; no submission as yet 523–524

The news brought to London; Eadwine and Morkere
reach London, and send Ealdgyth to Chester 525

Gemót in London to choose a King; no qualified
candidate; candidature of Eadwine and Morkere;
election of Eadgar 525–527

Character of the choice; consent of Eadwine and
Morkere; alleged opposition of certain Bishops 528–529

November 1 Eadgar not crowned; death of Abbot Leofric; the
choice of his successor Brand confirmed by
Eadgar 530

The Londoners and others eager for battle; treason
of Eadwine and Morkere; no further general
combination against William 531–532

October William at Hastings; his policy of subduing the
15–20 country piecemeal 533

20 His ravages; he marches to Romney; his vengeance 533–534

21 He marches to Dover; description of the castle;
its surrender; the town accidentally burned 535–538

October 29 The Kentish towns submit; William marches
towards Canterbury and receives its submission
on the road 538–539

October William encamps at the Broken Tower; his sickness
31–December and consequent delay 540
1

He sends an embassy to Winchester; position of
Eadgyth; Winchester submits 540–541

c. London still holds out; William marches against
December 1 it; skirmish and burning of Southwark 541–542

He keeps on the right bank of the Thames and
crosses at Wallingford; object of this course 543–544

Esegar in command in London; tale of his
communications with William; his messenger
deceived by William 544–546

Submission to William agreed on in London 546

William at Berkhampstead; Eadgar, Ealdred, and
others submit to him there and are graciously
received 547–548

William invited to assume the Crown; probable
feelings of Englishmen at the moment 548–550

William’s council; his professed unwillingness
to accept the Crown 550–551

Speech of Hamon of Thouars; William accepts the
Crown; the coronation fixed for Christmas 551–553

Position of William; triumph of his policy 553

He sends to fortify a post in London 553

His march to London; opposite accounts of his
conduct 554–555

Alleged refusal of Stigand to consecrate William;
Stigand’s real position and share in the
ceremony; Ealdred the actual consecrator 555–557

December 25 Coronation of William; the approach to the church
guarded by Norman horsemen 557

The procession and ecclesiastical election 558–559

The Normans fire the houses near the church;
William left alone with the officiating clergy 560

William’s oath and consecration 560–561

Summary 561–562