William the Conqueror and Battle Abbey
William's persistent determination to build an abbey on the exact site of his victory at Hastings underlines its importance as a symbol of the Norman Conquest.
And in order to strengthen their hearts, he made, before them and with the approval of all, a vow to God, that if the divine mercy granted him victory over his enemies, he would offer up that place to God, as wholly free and quit as he might be able to conquer it for himself. And there he would build a monastery, where servants of God might be brought together for the salvation of all, and especially of those who should fall in that battle. It would be a place of sanctuary and help to all, paying back for the bloodshed there by an unending chain of good works. His speech made the men more courageous; they entered the fight determinedly, and at last, as God had planned, on 14 October, they won the victory: the duke's enemy lay fallen and his army fled.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
