In what year did the Battle of Hastings occur?

The Battle of Hastings occurred in 1066 AD, specifically on October 14, 1066.

The battle was fought between the Norman army of William, Duke of Normandy, and the English army led by King Harold Godwinson. William’s victory opened the way for the Norman conquest of England and permanently changed the country’s ruling dynasty, aristocracy, language, and culture.

The conflict followed a succession crisis after the death of Edward the Confessor. Harold became king, but William claimed that he had been promised the English throne. Before facing William, Harold had defeated a Norwegian invasion at Stamford Bridge in northern England. He then marched south to confront the Norman landing force.

The fighting took place near present-day Battle in East Sussex, several miles northwest of Hastings. According to tradition, Harold was killed during the battle, possibly by an arrow to the eye, though the exact details remain uncertain. William was crowned King of England on Christmas Day in 1066.