The Ultimate Battle of Hastings Quiz

The Battle of Hastings: A Decisive Norman Victory

• The Battle of Hastings took place on October 14, 1066, between the Norman-French army of William, Duke of Normandy, and the English army under King Harold Godwinson.
• The battle marked the beginning of the Norman Conquest of England.
• It occurred near the present-day town of Battle, East Sussex, approximately 7 miles northwest of Hastings.
• The death of King Edward the Confessor in January 1066 triggered a succession struggle among claimants to the throne, including Harold Godwinson, William, and Harald Hardrada.
• Harold was crowned king shortly after Edward's death but faced invasions from William, his own brother Tostig, and Harald Hardrada.
• Tostig and Hardrada were defeated by Harold at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, leaving William as Harold's primary opponent.
• William landed his invasion forces in Pevensey on September 28, 1066, establishing a beachhead for his conquest.
• Harold was forced to march south rapidly, gathering forces along the way.
• The exact numbers of troops present at the battle are unknown, but the English army was primarily infantry, while the Norman forces had a mix of infantry, cavalry, and archers.
• The battle lasted from about 9 am to dusk, with early attempts by the Normans to break the English battle lines proving ineffective.
• The Normans adopted a tactic of feigning retreat and then turning on their pursuers, which ultimately led to Harold's death and the retreat and defeat of most of his army.
• William was crowned as king on Christmas Day 1066, marking the culmination of his conquest of England.