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1066: The Battle of Hastings is a graphic novel that retells one of the most important events in England’s history.
1066 is one of the most famous dates in the history of the United Kingdom: the year of the Battle of Hastings. It was a key turning point in the nation’s history, marking the end of the Anglo-Saxon era and the start of the Norman period.
This graphic novel tells the story of what happened before, during and after this iconic battle. Discover all the details surrounding the story, from the mistakes and decisions that meant William of Normandy became the first Norman king of England to how Harold was killed – was it by an arrow in the eye?
It will invite the reader to see the action in its comic-strip panels, and they will learn not only about the events and the key participants on both sides, but also the tactics and weapons the armies employed, and even learn some of the different languages of the time.
"1066 is probably one of the most famous days in the history of the British nation...Now this new interpretation shows readers what happened in the lead-up to the battle, the battle itself and its aftermath. See the mistakes and decisions that changed the course of the battle and the history of the nation played out in front of your eyes, in full colour." —Armadillo
"Powerful indeed are Douch’s visuals: the brightly coloured illustrations of characters involved are splendidly expressive and the battles are portrayed as the truly dramatic, bloody events they surely were. The language he uses is accessible to primary age readers who cannot fail to be excited by the graphic storytelling; it’s thoroughly immersive." —Red Reading Hub
"The comic strips bring the exciting history to life. The action comes straight off the pages! It also highlights the tactics and the weapons employed, the different languages of the time, as well as learning about the events and the key participants on both sides. This is a great way to learn about history!”—@family_book_club_
"Younger readers and history enthusiasts alike will find themselves drawn into the story of ambition, bravery, and fate. 1066: The Battle of Hastings doesn’t just retell history — it lets you experience it. A must-read for anyone who wants to see how one battle reshaped an entire nation." —@booksb4bedtime
"An engaging graphic novel that brings one of the most significant events in British history to life... Complex ideas such as political intrigue, succession, and battle tactics are explained in an accessible way" —@_what_the_teacher_reads_
"This graphic novel brings history to life with vivid, comic-strip panels that transport readers straight into the heart of the action... readers curious about this historic battle will find it captivating and easy to follow. Perfect for Young Historians and Enthusiasts!" —@katys_book_shelf
Introduction
The Prelude
Harold’s coronation
Battle of Stamford Bridge
William lands at Pevensey
Harold races down from the North
The Battle of Hastings
The battle formations, armour and weapons of the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans
The Normans attack
The Anglo-Saxon flank charges and is routed
Harold goes on the offensive
William rallies his men
Leofwine – Harold’s brother and battle commander – is killed by a Norman cavalry charge
Gyrth – Harold’s other brother and battle commander – is killed by a Norman javelin
William launches his final assault
Harold receives a mortal wound
The myth of Harold being killed by an arrow to the eye
The Anglo-Saxons start to flee
The pursuing Norman knights are slaughtered in a swamp
The battle ends and the looting starts
What happened to Harold’s body?
The aftermath
14-year-old Anglo-Saxon prince Edgar the Atheling is proclaimed King of England by the Witan
William marches on London
The Witan submits to William
William is crowned King of England on Christmas Day
Glossary