Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

New Evidence Suggests Godwinson's Naval Strategy at Hastings

3/21/2026

41 5

Summary

Story summary

Historian Tom Licence suggests Harold Godwinson's army may have traveled by ship instead of marching about 200 miles after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The possibility that Harold Godwinson used ships would portray him as a more skilled and versatile commander rather than a desperate figure rushing between battles.
This shift in understanding could alter Britons' view of the Battle of Hastings as a pivotal moment in their history.

1 of 1

Story summary

Historian Tom Licence suggests Harold Godwinson's army may have traveled by ship instead of marching about 200 miles after the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
The possibility that Harold Godwinson used ships would portray him as a more skilled and versatile commander rather than a desperate figure rushing between battles.
This shift in understanding could alter Britons' view of the Battle of Hastings as a pivotal moment in their history.