Which Norman duke led the knightly invasion that won the 1066 Battle of Hastings?

William the Conqueror led the Norman knightly invasion that won the 1066 Battle of Hastings.

William, duke of Normandy, claimed England’s throne after Edward the Confessor died without a surviving child. He argued that Edward had promised him the crown, while Harold Godwinson was crowned king. William assembled an army containing Norman cavalry, infantry, and archers, crossed the English Channel, and met Harold’s army near Hastings on 14 October 1066.

The battle lasted for most of the day. Norman cavalry repeatedly attacked the English shield wall, and the English formation eventually broke. Harold was killed, traditionally said to have been struck in the eye by an arrow, although the exact details are uncertain. William was crowned king of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066.

The conquest transformed England’s ruling class, landholding system, castles, language, and military organization. William is called “the Conqueror” because of this victory, not because he conquered Normandy.