In this scene two men [1] [2] are setting fire to a house. This is clearly the house of a woman of importance. This is indicated by the manner of her dress. The harrying of the land may well have been a tactic employed by Duke William to hasten Harold’s return. Some historians believe that it is not the Normans burning the houses, but it is in fact the English attempting to drive out the Norman invaders. According to Master Wace in the ‘Roman de Rue,’ Gyrth, Harold’s brother, had suggested this scorched earth policy. Next follows a building that represents the town of Hastings. Hastings was shown as a borough by the time of the Domesday Book in 1086.