Which side won the Battle of Hastings?

The Normans won the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066. William, Duke of Normandy, defeated the English army commanded by King Harold Godwinson near Senlac Hill in Sussex.

The battle followed a year of competing claims to the English throne. After the childless Edward the Confessor died in January 1066, Harold was crowned king, but William argued that Harold had previously promised to support his claim. William invaded England in September, landing at Pevensey before advancing toward Harold’s army.

The fighting lasted from about 9 a.m. until dusk. The English formed a defensive shield wall on high ground, while the Norman army used archers, infantry and cavalry. Norman feigned retreats helped draw some English troops out of formation. Harold’s death near the end of the battle caused the English army to collapse.

The victory did not instantly end all resistance, but it enabled William to take control of England. He was crowned king at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066. “Normans” is the canonical quiz answer, although William’s army also included French, Breton and Flemish soldiers.