London. 1066 and All That Virtual Walk

The Norman Conquest of 1066 defines Britain in a way unmatched by any other event. And on this walk we explore the London that William conquered and how he changed England for all time.

London was England's most important City but not yet the capital. It was crucial to William in his attempt to conquer the realm but it he failed to capture London. He failed to push his arm across the heavily defended London Bridge after the defeat of the English King at the Battle of Hastings.

The future of the country was in the balance as he sought to find a way across the river and to persuade the English that resistance was hopeless.

Eventually, the English leaders sued for peace, and William was crowned at the newly built Westminster Abbey. But as the Saxons acclaimed the new King, his guards became alarmed and slaughtered the Saxons.

He then set about making sure he kept hold of his new Kingdom and its most important City. He and his sons not only transformed London that dealt a death blow to Anglo-Saxon culture.

This virtual walk begins at Westminster Abbey, explores Late Saxon and Norman London and ends at the Tower of London.

Walk is by Kevin Flude, former Archaeologist at the Museum of London

This is a London Walks event. Look at their web site (www.walks.com) for a list of other of their amazing walks.