The English immediately fled; the rout was total, and the slaughter prodigious.
The consternation which this defeat and the death of Harold produced over the kingdom was more fatal than the defeat itself.

If William had marched directly to London, all contest had probably been at an end; but he judged it more prudent to secure the sea-coast, to make way for reinforcements, distrusting his fortune in his success more than he had done in his first attempts.

He marched to Dover, where the effect of his victory was such that the strong castle there surrendered without resistance.

Had this fortress made any tolerable defence, the English would have had leisure to rouse from their consternation, and plan some rational method for continuing the war; but now the conqueror was on full march to London, whilst the English were debating concerning the measures they should take, and doubtful in what manner they should fill the vacant throne.

However, in this emergency it was necessary to take some resolution.