The University of East Anglia has made a discovery that could challenge the historical understanding of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The research, unveiled in August, involves a lost letter from Pope Alexander II, which could shift the narrative of this pivotal event.
Professor Tom Licence, while examining historical archives, found overlooked excerpts from a papal letter preserved in the Vatican. The letter suggests Pope Alexander II might have supported William the Conqueror’s invasion because the English sided with his rival. This revelation offers a fresh perspective on the Battle of Hastings.
The letter paints England as misled by an “evil head,” employing strong religious language that labels the English as “followers of Satan.” This new research could transform historians’ views on both the Norman Conquest and the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Traditionally, the Battle of Hastings has been seen as a dispute over the English throne between King Harold II and William of Normandy. It was rarely considered part of a larger political and religious conflict involving the papacy. Licence’s research suggests that the events of 1066 might be linked to a fierce power struggle between Pope Alexander II and his rival, antipope Honorius II.
Licence posits that England may have sided with Honorius, providing Alexander with additional motivation to back the Norman invasion. Licence explained to Fox News Digital that the connection seemed apparent to him, though it might not be for many historians focused on the Norman Conquest.
Honorius II, although not widely recognized today, was a serious contender in the papal power struggle, despite a dip in his influence in 1064. Licence noted, “Sometimes it just takes someone to come along and join the dots.” Discovering Pope Alexander’s letter in this context made its meaning clearer.
Licence is “confident” that the English moved away from supporting Alexander II. However, it remains less certain if England explicitly backed Honorius. Alexander’s statements about England being led astray under an “evil head” imply at minimum a lean toward Honorius.
The research highlights a gap in the focus of many Norman Conquest scholars. Licence emphasized that most do not specialize in ecclesiastical history, nor do they delve deeply into papal politics. His dual specialization allowed him to make the critical connection, altering perceptions of Alexander’s role in 1066.
This discovery not only highlights a possible motivation for Alexander in supporting William the Conqueror but also emphasizes the wider papal power struggle that underscored the events of 1066.