Elmer, an Anglo-Saxon boy, was hiding in a big tree. He had promised his father to stay at home.But on that early morning of October 14, 1066 he had secretly come to watch a battle. The battle was going to change Britain for ever. He had joined the king's army that had just come back from fighting the Norwegians in the north of Britain."Couldn't decide what? "Who should be the next king. Edward didn't have a son, and William and Harold are both Edward's relatives, you see. First he promised his crown to William of Normandy. Then, many years later, when he was dying, he left the throne to our King Harold. Now Harold has become our king, but William thinks that England is his. There was another man, who also wanted to be the king of England, the Viking Harald Hardrada. Our king Harold has just beaten him. We are not ready for another battle."Couldn't decide what? "Who should be the next king. Edward didn't have a son, and William and Harold are both Edward's relatives, you see. First he promised his crown to William of Normandy. Then, many years later, when he was dying, he left the throne to our King Harold. Now Harold has become our king, but William thinks that England is his. There was another man, who also wanted to be the king of England, the Viking Harald Hardrada. Our king Harold has just beaten him. We are not ready for another battle."
