6 Questions
Where did William, the Duke of Normandy, establish a beachhead for his conquest of England?
Pevensey
Who was crowned king shortly after King Edward the Confessor's death in January 1066?
Harold Godwinson
Who did Harold defeat at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
Tostig and Harald Hardrada
Why did Harold have to march south swiftly?
To defend against William's invasion
Where did the Battle of Hastings take place?
All of the above
Who did Hardrada and Tostig defeat at the Battle of Fulford?
A hastily gathered army of Englishmen
Study Notes
The Battle of Hastings
- The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066 between the Norman-French army of William, the Duke of Normandy, and the English army of King Harold Godwinson.
- The battle took place approximately 7 mi (11 km) northwest of Hastings, close to the present-day town of Battle, East Sussex.
- The Norman Conquest of England began with this battle, which resulted in a decisive Norman victory.
Background to the Battle
- King Edward the Confessor died in January 1066 without an heir, triggering a succession struggle for the throne.
- Harold Godwinson was crowned king shortly after Edward's death.
- Other claimants to the throne included William, Tostig (Harold's brother), and Harald Hardrada (King of Norway).
Prelude to the Battle
- Harald Hardrada and Tostig defeated an English army at the Battle of Fulford on 20 September 1066.
- Harold defeated Hardrada and Tostig at the Battle of Stamford Bridge five days later, resulting in their deaths.
- William landed his invasion forces at Pevensey on 28 September 1066, establishing a beachhead for his conquest of England.
- Harold was forced to march south swiftly, gathering forces as he went, to confront William's invasion.
Test your knowledge of the historic battle between the Norman-French army and the English army under King Harold Godwinson, leading to the Norman Conquest of England.
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