After Hastings, which action did William take first to secure submission?

• A. He waited to see if the Saxon nobles would surrender
• B. He immediately attacked London
• C. He declared Edgar the Aethling king
• D. He withdrew back to Normandy

Answer: (A)

After Hastings, William needed to win legitimacy and prevent a broad rebellion without risking an all-out immediate clash. His first move was to wait and see whether the Saxon nobles would submit. This pause allowed him to test loyalties, offer terms, and begin building support through oaths of allegiance, while minimizing open conflict. It set up a foundation for control that could be reinforced later with castles and strategic garrisons.

Attacking London right away would have sparked stronger resistance and stretched resources. Declaring Edgar the Aethling king would undermine William’s own claim. Withdrawing back to Normandy would concede control and invite opportunism from rivals.