2 Anglo-Saxon England In 1066, England was the envy of Europe. It was wealthy, powerful and well-protected. At the country’s centre, was its king. Anglo-Saxon kings had ruled most of England for more than 500 years. These warrior kings defended their realm at the head of large armies. Without a king, the army and country were leaderless. This put the country’s borders under serious risk of attack.
Much of what we know about the Battle of Hastings comes from the Bayeux Tapestry, made in the 1070s. Here, it shows King Edward. 4
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