Battle of Hastings
Hailesaltede, near Hastings, Sussex, England (today Battle, East Sussex, England)
What happened
William, Duke of Normandy, fought King Harold Godwinson of England. When King Edward the Confessor died without children, Harold became king, but Duke William of Normandy said the crown was his and sailed to England. Harold's army stood in a tight wall of shields along a ridge, and at first the Norman attacks failed. The Normans then pretended to run away, drawing some English soldiers down the hill, and late in the day Harold fell and his army collapsed.
Why it matters
Why it matters: William became King of England, and Norman rule changed the country's leaders, language and laws. It is one of the most famous battles in English history.
What came next
William was crowned king in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066.
Did you know?
William insisted that the high altar of Battle Abbey be placed on the spot where Harold fell, even though the narrow, waterless ridge was a poor place to build.
Timeline
- January 1066Edward the Confessor dies, and Harold is crowned king.
- 28 September 1066William lands at Pevensey.
- 14 October 1066The battle lasts all day, and Harold falls.
- 25 December 1066William is crowned in Westminster Abbey.