William the Conqueror’s invasion plans
HistoryExtra podcast
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The History of the English Channel Crossing
Duke William is recorded as having dropped anchor and had a meal in the middle of the Channel while he waits for his fleet to catch up with him. It's quite a serious undertaking crossing the English Channel in an open boat, I think it's fair to say. The larger cargo ships only had about two to four oars and they were primarily just for refining the movements under sail to get into the harbor.
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