Battle of Hastings

Bayeux Tapestry scene57 Harold death

Battle of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings was a pivotal confrontation that took place on 14 October 1066 between the invading Norman-French army of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, and the English army under King Harold Godwinson. The battle, a decisive Norman victory, marked the beginning of the Norman conquest of England and significantly altered the course of English history.

Background

The background to the battle was the dispute over the succession to the English throne following the death of Edward the Confessor in January 1066. Harold Godwinson was proclaimed King by the Witenagemot, despite earlier promises of the throne to William by Edward. William, claiming his right to the English throne, prepared his fleet and army for invasion.

Prelude

In preparation for the invasion, William amassed a large fleet and an army in Normandy. Meanwhile, Harold had to deal with another threat from Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, who also claimed the English throne. After defeating Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, Harold hurried south to meet William's forces.

The Battle

The Battle of Hastings took place near the present-day town of Battle, East Sussex. William's forces landed in England in late September, establishing a beachhead. Harold's army marched 240 miles in four days to confront the invaders. The English army took a defensive position on Senlac Hill, forming a shield wall.

The Normans attacked, but initially could not break through the English defenses. Legend has it that a feigned retreat by the Norman cavalry eventually broke the English ranks, leading to a Norman victory. Harold Godwinson was killed in the battle, reportedly by an arrow to the eye, though this account is debated.

Aftermath

The Battle of Hastings had profound consequences for England. William the Conqueror was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066, beginning a period of Norman rule. The Norman conquest brought significant cultural, linguistic, and administrative changes to England, fundamentally altering its history.

Legacy

The Battle of Hastings is remembered as a key event in English history. It is commemorated by the Bayeux Tapestry, which depicts the events leading up to and including the battle. The site of the battle is now a protected area, and the town of Battle grew around the abbey that William ordered to be built on the site as penance for the bloodshed.