Banner of William The Conqueror

By Crusader1307

The only “image” of such a War Banner that was bore by Norman Leader (and later King of England) William The Conqueror, come to us from The “Bayeux Tapestry”. This piece of Art depicts many important pieces of “History” related to William and his planned Invasion of England, Victory at The Battle of Hastings (1066) and eventual Crowning a King of England. His Banner was reflective of many Norman War Banners. His was also indicative of his “support” from The early Church. Green and Yellow were traditional Colors used by The Normans – finding their way onto Heraldry, Banners etc. Typical early Medieval “Flags” were of the elongated “Banner” Class, often very long and bunted. Some used Streamers or were more closely related to Turret Banners. William's Personal “War Banner” (of which did not survive past the 12th Century AD), was a Fleured end (at The Fly). The Colors of the (3) extensions were Norman by design (Green and Yellow). A series of (3) Streamer extensions were seen, colored Red and Blue and relating to William's Heraldry Colors. The Body of The Banner (Hoist) reflected his “support” by The Pope (Alexander II). The Papal colors were represented in White and Yellow. The stylized a “Gold Cross” was placed in a full sized Canton of White (bordered in Gold). The Banner was carried into The Battle of Hastings, of which William fought in personally. He would have retained it until his enthronement as King (after which William changed his Personal Banner to reflect his dual claim of The French and English Thrones (around 1067-68).