The Battle of Hastings began which major conquest of England?

The Battle of Hastings began the major Norman Conquest of England.

Fought on 14 October 1066, the battle pitted William, Duke of Normandy, against Harold Godwinson, the Anglo-Saxon king of England. William’s victory and Harold’s death removed the strongest obstacle to the Norman claim to the English throne. William was crowned king at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066.

The battle followed a turbulent succession crisis. Edward the Confessor died without a child in January 1066, and several contenders claimed the crown. Harold first defeated the Norwegian invasion led by Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge, then hurried south to confront William, whose army had landed at Pevensey on 28 September.

Hastings did not instantly end all resistance. Rebellions continued for years, and William confiscated large amounts of land from the English elite, granting estates to Norman supporters. The conquest reshaped England’s aristocracy, castles, administration, language, and legal culture. “Viking Conquest” is a tempting mix-up because Scandinavians also invaded England, but the 1066 campaign was Norman, led by a duke whose dynasty had Viking roots.