_ Although the immediate results of the Battle of Hastings may have been of less importance to the world than were those of some other great battles, the struggle has, in the long run, had a greater influence upon the destiny of mankind than any other similar event that has ever taken place. That admixture of Saxon, Danish, and British races which had come to be known under the general name of English, was in most respects far behind the rest of Europe. The island was, as it had always been,--except during the rule of two or three exceptionally strong kings,--distracted by internal dissensions. Broad lines of division still separated the North from the South, and under weak Kings the powerful Earls became almost independent. The enterprise that had distinguished their Saxon and Danish ancestors seems to have died out. There was a general indisposition to change, and except in her ecclesiastical buildings, England made but little progress in civilization from the time of Alfred to that of Harold. Its insular position cut it off from taking part in that rapid advance which, beginning in Italy, was extending throughout Europe. The arrival, however, of the impetuous Norman race, securing as it did a close connection with the Continent, quickened the intellect of the people, raised their intelligence, was of inestimable benefit to the English, and played a most important part in raising England among the nations. Moreover, it has helped to produce the race that has peopled Northern America, Australia, and the south of Africa, holds possession of India, and stands forth as the greatest civilizer in the world. The Conquest of England by the Normans was achieved without even a shadow of right or justice. It was at the time an unmixed curse to England; but now we can recognize the enormous benefits that accrued when in his turn the Englishman conquered the Norman, and the foreign invaders became an integral portion of the people they had overcome. For the historical details of the story, I have only had to go to Freeman's magnificent History of the Norman Conquest of England, which I hope will be perused by all of my readers who are able to obtain it.
       G. A. HENTY
        
       CONTENTS.
       CHAP.
       I. A QUARREL
       II. COUNTRY LIFE
       III. AT COURT
       IV. A STORM
       V. ROUEN
       VI. RELEASE OF THE EARL
       VII. THE OATH
       VIII. TROUBLE WITH WALES
       IX. IN THE WELSH VALLEYS
       X. PORTHWYN
       XI. THE SECRET PASSAGE
       XII. EDITH
       XIII. HAROLD, THE KING
       XIV. WULF'S SUSPICIONS
       XV. A MEETING BY THE RIVER
       XVI. A VOYAGE NORTH
       XVII. AN ATTEMPT AT ASSASSINATION
       XVIII. THE NORTHERN INVASION
       XIX. STAMFORD BRIDGE
       XX. THE LANDING OF THE FOE
       XXI. HASTINGS
       XXII. THE LORD OF BRAMBER
       ILLUSTRATIONS
       THE LAST STAND AT HASTINGS
       THE YOUNG THANE COMES BACK TO STEYNING
       WULF AND HIS FOLLOWERS STORM LLEWELLYN'S STRONGHOLD
       WULF LEAPT FORWARD AND CAUGHT THE UPLIFTED WRIST
       WULF THE SAXON. _

Preface
Chapter 1. A Quarrel
Chapter 2. Country Life
Chapter 3. At Court
Chapter 4. A Storm
Chapter 5. Rouen
Chapter 6. Release Of The Earl
Chapter 7. The Oath
Chapter 8. Trouble With Wales
Chapter 9. In The Welsh Valleys
Chapter 10. Porthwyn
Chapter 11. The Secret Passage
Chapter 12. Edith
Chapter 13. Harold, The King
Chapter 14. Wulf's Suspicions
Chapter 15. A Meeting By The River
Chapter 16. A Voyage North
Chapter 17. An Attempt At Assassination
Chapter 18. The Northern Invasion
Chapter 19. Stamford Bridge
Chapter 20. The Landing Of The Foe
Chapter 21. Hastings
Chapter 22. The Lord Of Bramber