Harold’s force caught Harald’s men by surprise with their armour off But Tostig saw the move as unjust and, after first attempting to bring Harold down himself, eventually asked Harald Hardrada to invade England. The decision to outlaw Tostig had come about after he refused to step down from his position as Earl of Northumbria in the face of a rebellion against him. Tostig Godwinson wanted vengeance after being exiled by King Edward and Harold in November 1065. Harald had teamed up with Harold’s own brother Catherine is a medieval historian, author and writer of Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior. Join Dr Catherine Hanley as she takes Matt through the early life of Matilda, her ascension to Empress and her changing position in the succession to the English throne. However, Matilda was independent, intelligent, educated and authoritative. Sent away aged eight to match with the Holy Roman Emperor, she represented status for her father and money for her intended.

In many ways, Empress Matilda can be seen as a pawn of the men in her world.