1066

The Battle of Hastings, fought on October 14, 1066, was a pivotal moment in English history. It marked the Norman conquest of England and dramatically reshaped the country's culture, language, and ruling elite. Key Players: - William, Duke of Normandy (later known as William the Conqueror): Claimant to the English throne, leading the Norman-French forces. - King Harold II of England: The last Anglo-Saxon king of England, recently crowned after the death of Edward the Confessor. Background: - Edward the Confessor died in January 1066 without a clear heir. - Harold Godwinson was crowned king, but William of Normandy claimed Edward had promised him the throne. - William prepared an invasion to assert his claim. The Battle: - Took place near Hastings, on the south coast of England. - Harold's forces had just defeated another rival, Harald Hardrada of Norway, at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in late September-so his army was tired and had marched quickly south to meet William. - Harold's army was mostly infantry, forming a shield wall on Senlac Hill. - William's army included infantry, cavalry, and archers-a more flexible and professional force. Tactics and Outcome: - The Normans struggled initially against the English shield wall. - A turning point came when the Normans feigned retreat, tricking parts of Harold's army into breaking ranks. - Late in the battle, Harold was killed-likely by an arrow to the eye, according to the Bayeux Tapestry (though this is debated). - With their king dead, the English forces broke and fled. Aftermath: - William continued to advance, facing some resistance, but was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066. - This ushered in Norman rule, replacing much of the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy. - It also brought significant cultural changes, including the introduction of Norman French into the English language, changes in architecture (e.g., castles and cathedrals), and new administrative systems like the Domesday Book (1086).