House of Wessex pt 2 (Aethelred "The Unready" to William "The Conquerer")

Описание: This video explores the final century of Anglo-Saxon rule in England under the House of Wessex, beginning with the troubled reign of Æthelred the Unready. Ascending the throne in 978, Æthelred faced relentless Viking attacks and responded with heavy tribute payments known as Danegeld, weakening the kingdom both economically and politically. His reign reached a crisis point with the St Brice’s Day massacre in 1002, which provoked further Scandinavian invasions. England briefly fell under Danish control after the conquest of Sweyn Forkbeard and later his son Cnut, whose reign brought stability but marked the temporary displacement of the Wessex dynasty. Anglo-Saxon rule was restored in 1042 when Edward the Confessor, Æthelred’s son, became king.

Edward’s long reign ended without an heir, creating a dangerous succession crisis. In January 1066, Harold Godwinson was chosen king, but his rule was immediately challenged by rival claimants. After defeating a Norwegian invasion at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, Harold was forced to march south to confront William, Duke of Normandy. The decisive Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066 resulted in Harold’s death and William’s victory. William’s coronation later that year marked the end of Anglo-Saxon England and the beginning of Norman rule, a turning point that transformed English politics, culture, and ties to continental Europe.