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"publishedAt": "2026-03-24T04:39:15.000Z",
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"History",
"reallykindasorta",
"0 comments",
"https://phys.org/news/2026-03-biggest-english-history-myth-king.html",
"“almost miraculous”"
],
"textContent": "submitted by reallykindasorta to history\n2 points | 0 comments\nhttps://phys.org/news/2026-03-biggest-english-history-myth-king.html\n\nintro:\n\n> In 1066, England was invaded by multiple foreign powers. A northern force led by King Harald Hardrada of Norway advanced on York via the River Humber, while a southern force, led by Duke William of Normandy (later William I the Conqueror) crossed the Channel with forces from Normandy, France, Brittany and Ponthieu, and took up position at Hastings.\n\n> King Harold of England had to dash up from London to deal with the Vikings, only to hurry back south again to deal with William. A distance of more than 250 miles separated his victory at Stamford Bridge (on September 25) from Battle, the site of his defeat (on October 14) at the Battle of Hastings.\n\n> His “almost miraculous” march, as one historian described it, became part of Harold’s legend. It’s now taught in schools, recreated by re-enactors and depicted in TV dramas such as the recent BBC miniseries, King and Conqueror (2025)…\n\nSpoiler for the lazy:\n\nTap for spoiler\n\n> Freeman called the march “almost miraculous.” And such a march would be. Sailing, however, would have taken a few days and allowed the English army a chance to rest. Since the sources track the movements of the fleet but nowhere mention a march, it would appear that Harold used ships for all his operations. > If Harold used ships, of course, he cannot be accused of “reckless and impulsive haste,” and the cause of his defeat at the Battle of Hastings must be sought elsewhere.",
"title": "Is the biggest march in English history a myth? My research shows King Harold [REDACTED] to the battle of Hastings"
}