William, Duke of Normandy, was getting ready for a hunting expedition
when the news was brought to him of Harold's accession (S67). The old
chronicler says that the Duke "stopped short in his preparations; he
spoke to no man, and no man dared speak to him." Finally he resolved
to appeal to the sword and take the English crown by force.
During the spring and summer of that year, he occupied himself in
fitting out a fleet to invade England, and his smiths and armorers
were busy making lances, swords, and coats of mail. The Pope favored
the expedition and presented a banner blessed by himself, to be
carried in the attack; "mothers, too, sent their sons for the
salvation of their souls."