Battle / War
Battle of Hastings (1066)
William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II at Hastings in 1066, marking the last successful invasion of England.
Background
When King Edward the Confessor died in January 1066 without an heir, three claimants contested the English throne: Harold Godwinson, who was crowned King Harold II; Harald Hardrada of Norway; and William, Duke of Normandy. Harold defeated Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in the north, then marched south to face William's invading Norman army.
The Battle
The battle was fought on 14 October 1066 near the town of Hastings. King Harold was killed during the fighting. William was victorious and was subsequently crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066. The Norman Conquest that followed transformed England's language, culture, and ruling class.
Norman French had a significant influence on the English language. Many words in modern English relating to law, government, and culture have Norman French origins.
Legacy
The Norman Conquest of 1066 is considered one of the most important events in English history. It was the last time England was successfully invaded by a foreign force. William introduced the feudal system, commissioned the Domesday Book, and began building the Tower of London.
Key facts for the test
- The Battle of Hastings took place in 1066
- William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II
- Harold was killed during the battle
- This was the last successful invasion of England
- William was crowned at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066
- Norman French influenced the development of the English language
Test yourself
Questions about the Battle of Hastings appear in the Life in the UK Test.
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