only way by which the enemy could get to London – which, as the capital, ever was and ever will be the aim of an invading army under any circumstances. Harold had been for some months on the south coast, watching his enemy, before he was called off to the north. His head quarters were probably near Ninfield, where “Standard Hill” still remains to record the post which he held; but there is no notice that he was at that spot immediately previous to the battle; for, he barely had time to return to the south before he was attacked by the Norman chief. Harold’s fleet had just failed in provisions, and had to retire to replenish. It was at the end of September; the harvest had been just gathered in; and the clear places round the villages were feeding the herds of the Saxon farmers, which were soon to become the prey of the Norman foragers; for, in spite of the asseverations of the Norman chroniclers, the soldiers of William’s army were as good thieves as any Zouave, and the state in which they left the neighbourhood may be inferred from the many entries in Doomsday Book, “it has been destroyed”. Hooe, Catsfield, Netherfield, Brooham, Sedlescomb, Saleshurst and Guestling, all fell a prey to the ravages of the conqueror, and bear the dread appendage to their names “Vastatum fuit”. The next portion of tapestry shows that “Here Duke William, in a large ship, crossed the sea and came to Pevensey”. On Thursday the 28th of September, William landed his numerous army. The archers landed first, with their hair shaved off and wearing short coats. Then came the cavalry, wearing coats of mail and helmets of polished steel, nearly of a conical form, and furnished with a peculiar nose-piece. They were armed with strong lances and double-edged swords. These were followed by the pioneers and workmen of the army, who brought on shore three wooden castles, ready to fit together at any place they might require. The landing of an army of 60,000 men must have required a considerable space along the shore; but the ships pf the Normans were all able to be beached, and the time therefore wanted to effect this disembarkation was not long, as every vessel would land its own cargo simultaneously. It probably took place in the flats between Pevensey and Bexhill; for we find the villages round here especially devasted by the pillage of the soldiery. William, on landing, fell to the ground, but he turned this supposed unfortunate omen to good account by taking the sand in his hand, and crying “I have taken seizen of this land, and by the splendour of God, all it contains is ours.” They remained five days at Pevensey. The tapestry exhibits a party sent to Hastings to seize food, and in several compartments are shewn the process of cooking and feasting. Having recruited his army, William detached 9,000 men to Hastings to erect the moveable castles; and ordered a camp -
