#OnThisDay in 1066 the Battle of Hastings took place with William the Conqueror

[Jennifer]

On 14 October 1066 the Norman-French army of Duke William II of Normandy faced the army of Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson in the Battle of Hastings. William I – more commonly known as William the Conqueror – won a decisive victory in the battle which marked the beginning of the Norman conquest of England.

The Battle of Hastings was in direct response to the death of King Edward the Confessor who died childless in January 1066. Harold was chosen as successor by the Witenagemot (an assembly of ruling class men whose role was to advise the king) and he was crowned in Westminster Abbey on 6 January 1066. He immediately faced a succession struggle as three other claimants to the throne – his brother Tostig, the Norwegian King Harald Hardrada and William of Normandy – came forward to challenge his rule.

When Tostig's original coup attempts were foiled he threw his support behind Hardrada. Together they fought off an attack of Englishmen on 20 September 1066 at the Battle of Fulford. Their success was not to continue however as when they faced King Harold in the Battle of Stamford Bridge less than a week later they were defeated and ultimately killed, leaving William as the only serious other claimant to the crown.

Read more:
#OnThisDay in 1066 the Battle of Hastings took place with William the Conqueror defeating King Harold II of England – Royal Central

[LouisFerdinand]

William the Conqueror entering London in December 1066   
William the Conqueror entering London, December 1066 Stock Photo: 165588261 - Alamy

[LouisFerdinand]

King William I founded Battle Abbey to commemorate his victory at Hastings.