What was the name of the papal banner carried by William at Hastings?

The papal banner carried by William at Hastings was known as the banner of St Peter. It symbolised papal approval for William’s invasion of England in 1066.

According to the Norman historian William of Poitiers, Pope Alexander II sent William a banner, along with a ring, after recognising his claim that the English Church needed reform and that Harold Godwinson had broken an oath. The banner gave William’s campaign the appearance of a sanctioned religious enterprise rather than merely a dynastic war.

The story must be treated cautiously. The papal banner is mentioned most clearly in William of Poitiers’s account, while earlier or more contemporary narratives do not independently confirm every detail. “Papal standard” is a broad descriptive term, but “banner of St Peter” is the conventional name used for this particular object.

The Battle of Hastings took place on 14 October 1066 near present-day Battle, East Sussex. William’s victory led to the Norman Conquest and his coronation as king that Christmas.