A promise has been made and broken, an evil omen is in the sky, a crown is at stake, and history is about to be made.

It is April 1066 and Harold Godwinson, King of England, faces a deadly challenge from William the Bastard, Duke of Normandy. William believes that Harold has broken his solemn oath by claiming the English crown, and the matter must be settled by force, in a battle the likes of which Europe has never seen...

Will you rally your Saxon forces to defend the English crown from the invading Norman heathens? Or will you muster papal support and have your Norman army crusade against the usurper Saxons?

Every card in this multi-award nominated game is inspired by a real person or event involved in the Battle of Hastings. An asymmetric, competitive tactical card game that will appeal to young people and seasoned gamers alike.

1066, Tears to Many Mothers is an asymmetric, competitive tactical card game in the style of Magic the Gathering, but non-collectable. In other words, whilst we do have plans for other theatres of conflict as future stand-alone sets, you will receive the complete game in the box.

Outwit your enemy & recreate the Battle of Hastings in this multi-award nominated, 1-2 player, 30-40 minute, card game. Designed by Tristan Hall, the game follows the momentous events of that seismic year in English history. Each player, as either Normans or Saxons, musters troops and resources to overcome the various obstacles in their way before their two armies clash on the battlefield at Hastings.

Note on title: In April of 1066 Halley's Comet was in its perihelion orbit and writers at the time said it was four times the size of Venus and shining with a light equal to a quarter of that of the Moon. Many thought it was an evil omen, or even the end of the world - the monk Eilmer of Malmesbury Abbey wrote about the event: "You've come, have you? – You've come, you source of tears to many mothers. It is long since I saw you; but as I see you now you are much more terrible, for I see you brandishing the downfall of my country."

Awards & Honors

2015 Origins Awards Best Historical Board Game Nominee
2014 Golden Geek Best Print & Play Board Game Nominee

1 to 2 Players
30 to 60 Min Playing Time
Age: 12+

It may not be possible to ship very heavy items outside of the Mainland UK.
Released: 27 November 2018