Who led the Norman forces at the Battle of Hastings?

William the Conqueror led the Norman forces at the Battle of Hastings. As William, Duke of Normandy, he invaded England in 1066 to press his claim to the English throne after the death of Edward the Confessor.

The battle took place on 14 October 1066 near Senlac Hill, close to Hastings. William's army included Norman, Breton, and Flemish troops, with infantry, archers, and cavalry. The English army, commanded by King Harold Godwinson, formed a defensive shield wall on high ground.

William's forces initially struggled to break the English line. Norman cavalry later used feigned retreats, drawing some English soldiers away from the shield wall before turning against them. Harold was eventually killed, probably late in the battle, and the English army collapsed.

William's victory began the Norman Conquest. He was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066, although resistance and rebellions continued for several years.