Either by desire of the prelate himself or by William's own order, it was not the archbishop of Canterbury, Stigand, who presided, according to custom, at the ceremony; the duty devolved upon the archbishop of York, Aldred, who had but lately anointed Edgar Atheling.

At the appointed hour, William arrived at Westminster Abbey, the latest work and the burial-place of Edward the Confessor.

The Conqueror marched between two hedges of Norman soldiers, behind whom stood a crowd of people, cold and sad, though full of curiosity.

A numerous cavalry guarded the approaches to the church and the quarters adjoining.

Two hundred and sixty counts, barons, and knights of Normandy went in with the duke.
Geoffrey, bishop of Coutanees, demanded in French, of the Normans, if they would that their duke should take the title of King of the English.
The archbishop of York demanded of the English, in the Saxon tongue, if they would have for king the duke of Normandy.