The Failed Conquest



On the 28th of December, 1066, William's fleet landed in Pevensey, then marching on to hastings, with the intention to capture England, and claim the throne for William. Although sources disagree, most believe that William had amassed an army around 8,000 men strong, with the highest estimates being around 12,000. In OTL, the invasion was success, resulting in the conquest of England, and the complete change of England and the course of history as we know it.

But what if the invasion had failed?

Point of Divergence
====Main article The battle of Hastings After hearing of the Norman invasion while in London, instead of immediately marching to Hastings, were the Norman army was encamped, King Harold decided to wait for the rest of his army, still in York after the defeat of the Norwegians. Despite the delay, it was well worth it, as Harold's army now outnumbered the Normans roughly 2 1/2 to one. Only then, with a much larger army, did Harold march down to fight the Norman army in Hastings.

The actual Battle of Hastings was a very bloody affair, with several thousand dead, and huge amounts of men involved. The battle apparently started around 7:00 AM in the morning, when Harold concealed many of his forces, and put around half of them on nearby hill. Incorrectly judging the forces as roughly evenly matched, William ordered his army out of there temporary wooden castle, and into straight on combat. It would prove to be a huge mistake.

As the Normans charged up to attack the English, the rest of Harold's army showed itself, and the Norman's realized they were vastly outnumbered. Williams initial attack was repulsed easily, and high casualties ensued on both sides. With the initial Norman advance defeated, the English army went on the attack, taking advantage of their massive strength in numbers. The assault was a complete success for Harold, and the Norman invasion was defeated.