The Battle of Hastings

• The Battle of Hastings was fought on October 14, 1066, between the Norman-French army of William, the Duke of Normandy, and an English army under the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson.

• Harold was defeated and killed, leading to the Norman Conquest of England.

• The exact numbers present at the battle are unknown, with estimates varying considerably.

• The composition of the forces is clearer: the English army was composed almost entirely of infantry, while only about half of the invading force was infantry.

• Harold attempted to surprise William, but scouts found his army and reported its arrival to William, who marched from Hastings to the battlefield to confront Harold.

• The battle lasted from about 9 am to dusk and ended with the retreat and defeat of most of Harold's army.

Test your knowledge about the Battle of Hastings, a significant event in English history that led to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.