Hi Penny, thnks for all that, that was quick work in a short time. I'll read it more thoroughly at leisure and get back to you.

As to 1066 and all that, I'm not taking sides, just reporting what we were told. Although its a lot earlier than my main period of interest and on land not sea, I would agree that the evidence I have seen suggests a very close battle. I would also think that, in common with any battle, there is not going to be any accurate unbiased account. As you note, current day historians have as much of an axe to grind as the contemporary reporters.

It seems to me that Harolds main problem was that he was King as well as CinC, and in this case the best military strategy was overridden by political necessity, not for the first or last time.

Re wives, no, she was called Margaret.

thanks again

Pete M