Burning of Southwark

Background

William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. Both men had claimed the English throne. After his victory, William expected English nobles to submit and crown him King. Instead, the Witenagemot chose 15-year-old Edgar Ætheling as the next King.

William advanced to London, where Edgar Ætheling was declared but not crowned King. Expecting little resistance, he sent a small cavalry unit to Southwark, part of Godwinson's estate, to secure the southern end of London Bridge and access to the city.

Battle

Some Londoners supported William, but many resisted. Ansgar the Staller, royal standard-bearer and the sheriff of Middlesex, led this resistance. Despite wounds at Hastings, Ansgar returned to London to rally defenders.

William offered Ansgar his estates, the sheriff's post, and a council seat if he recognized him as King. Ansgar refused and led resistance at Southwark, possibly joined by Edwin, Morcar, and the Archbishop of York.

William's 500 knights defeated the Anglo-Saxons under Ansgar and advanced to London Bridge. The defenders held firm, forcing William's men to withdraw. As they withdrew, William's men set Southwark on fire, destroying the town and its mint.

Aftermath

William postponed attacking London via Southwark and London Bridge. His knights rejoined the main army, which circled west of London and crossed the Thames at Wallingford after gaining support from Saxon thegn Wigod.

William cut supply routes to London. Combined with burning Southwark and talks with Kent, London submitted to William. Anglo-Saxon nobles, including Edwin, Morcar, and Edgar Ætheling, went to Berkhamsted to pledge loyalty to William and deliver the keys to the city of London.

William entered London peacefully and was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, 1066.