The Battle of Hastings took place in 1066. It was fought on 14 October between the Norman army of William, Duke of Normandy, and the English army led by King Harold Godwinson.
The battle followed a succession crisis after the death of Edward the Confessor. Harold had already defeated a Norwegian invasion at Stamford Bridge in September, but William landed in Sussex soon afterward and forced Harold to march south with a tired army.
The Normans eventually broke the English shield wall through repeated attacks, including feigned retreats that drew some English soldiers out of position. Harold was killed during the battle, although the exact manner of his death remains uncertain.
William’s victory began the Norman Conquest of England. He was crowned king on Christmas Day in 1066, making the year one of the most important dates in English medieval history.