Battle of Hastings, 1066

• The Battle of Hastings occurred on October 14, 1066.
• The Norman-French army, led by William, Duke of Normandy, fought against the English army, led by King Harold Godwinson.
• The battle was a decisive Norman victory.
• The victory led to the conquest of England.
• William the Conqueror became the new King of England, altering English history.

Background

• After King Edward the Confessor died without an heir in January 1066, multiple people claimed the English throne.
• Harold Godwinson was crowned king soon after Edward's death; William of Normandy also claimed the throne.
• William claimed Edward promised him the throne and Harold swore an oath to support his claim.
• Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, also claimed the English throne through a succession agreement with a previous king.

Preparations

• William spent months gathering troops and resources in Normandy for his invasion.
• William's army included Norman knights and mercenaries from Brittany, Flanders, and other regions of France.
• Harold Godwinson faced a threat from Harald Hardrada, who landed in Northern England.
• On September 25, 1066, Harold defeated Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, weeks before Hastings.
• Harold's army marched south to confront William after defeating Hardrada.

Battle Location

• The battle occurred at Senlac Hill, about 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of Hastings.
• William chose the location for its tactical advantage.
• English forces occupied the hill's crest, forming a shield wall.

Forces

• William's army was estimated to have 7,000 to 8,000 troops.
• The army comprised heavily armored knights, infantry, and archers.
• Harold's army was about the same size, consisting mostly of foot soldiers armed with axes, swords, and spears.
• The English lacked the archers and cavalry numbers that the Normans had.

Course of Battle

• The battle began with Norman archers firing uphill at the English shield wall.
• Infantry and cavalry assaults followed the archers.
• The English shield wall initially held firm, repelling Norman attacks.
• William's knights used direct charges and feigned retreats to break the English lines.
• Rumors spread that William died during the battle, but he removed his helmet to prove he was still alive.
• The English shield wall weakened late in the day due to fatigue and casualties.
• Harold Godwinson was reportedly killed late in the battle, possibly by an arrow to the eye, as shown in the Bayeux Tapestry.
• After Harold's death, English resistance collapsed, and the Normans won.

Significance

• The Battle of Hastings was a turning point in English history.
• William's victory led to the Norman conquest of England.
• The Norman conquest brought significant changes to English government, law, language, and culture.
• The Anglo-Saxon aristocracy was replaced by a new Norman ruling class.
• French became the language of the court and administration, influencing the development of the English language.
• The feudal system was introduced to England, which altered land ownership and social structure.
• The battle is commemorated by the Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the events leading up to the invasion and the battle itself.

The Battle of Hastings occurred on October 14, 1066, between the Norman-French army of William, Duke of Normandy, and the English army under King Harold Godwinson. The Norman victory led to William the Conqueror becoming King of England, significantly altering English history. Several claimants vied for the throne after King Edward's death.