page_title: Mora (ship)
section_title: Maiden voyage
hierarchical_section_title: Mora (ship) / Maiden voyage
caption_attribution_description: English: Bayeux Tapestry. Scene 38
context_page_description: The Mora was William the Conqueror's flagship for his invasion of England in 1066. It served as his personal ship between England and Normandy afterwards. It was the largest and fastest ship in his invasion fleet. The Mora was a gift to William by his wife Matilda of Flanders.
context_section_description: Before sunset on September 27th, according to William of Poitiers, Duke William's invasion fleet left for England. The Mora led the fleet. Mora carried a lantern on her mast so she could be seen in the dark. A horn also let the other ships know where the Mora was. The Mora was much faster than the other ships. By dawn William found himself in mid-channel, alone, with no other ships in sight. While he waited his servants served him breakfast with wine. Once the others were in sight the fleet proceeded to Pevensey in Sussex. According to Elisabeth van Houts, the meaning of the name is not known although there have been several suggestions. It might be named for the Morini, ancient inhabitants of Flanders. This is where Matilda was from. The Latin word mora has several meanings, none of which seem likely. These range from 'delay' or 'pause' to 'foolish' or 'foolish woman'. Also is the possibility that Mora was an anagram of Amor.
caption: The Bayeux Tapestry showing the Norman invasion fleet, with the Mora in front, marked by the papal banner on the masthead.
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