Accounts of the Battle of Hastings

(A) Chronicle of Battle Abbey (c. 1155)

In the year 1066, the most noble William, duke of the Normans, sailed with a mighty army against England... William called together his barons and knights and roused them to fight faithfully in battle. His speech made the men more courageous; they entered the fight determinedly, and at last, as God had planned, on 14th October they won the victory.

(B) William of Jumieges, The Deeds of the Dukes of the Normans (c. 1070)

Duke William... engaged the enemy at (9 a.m.) and the carnage continued until nightfall.... Harold himself fell... with lethal wounds. The English, learning that their king had met his death, despairing of their lives, with night approaching, turned about and sought safety in flight.

(C) Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, Version E (1066)

Many English deserted from the line, and very few stood firm with him: yet from the third hour of the day until evening he resisted his foes with the utmost courage... But alas, after so many had fallen on both sides, Harold himself was slain as the evening shadows lengthened.

(D) Anglo-Saxon Chronicles, Version D (1066)

William came against him by surprise before his army was drawn up in battle array. But the king nevertheless fought hard against him... and there were heavy casualties on both sides. King Harold was killed... and many good men... God granted the French victory to them because of the sins of the English people.