William the Conqueror
William was the Duke of Normandy, a region in northern France established by Vikings who had settled there in the early 10th century. William was a skilled military leader and politician. His claim to the English throne was grounded in both blood relations and alleged promises by Edward the Confessor.
Harold Godwinson
Harold was a powerful English noble with extensive support from the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy. He was crowned king shortly after Edward's death in January 1066, but his reign was immediately challenged by external forces.
Harald Hardrada
Harald Hardrada was an experienced warrior and ruler of Norway. His claim to the English throne was based on a supposed agreement with a previous English king, Magnus I, making him a serious contender.
The Invasion of 1066
The Battle of Fulford and Stamford Bridge
In the summer of 1066, Harald Hardrada invaded northern England, allied with Harold Godwinson’s estranged brother, Tostig Godwinson. The Norwegians defeated a northern English army at the Battle of Fulford near York on September 20, 1066.
However, Harold Godwinson rapidly marched north with his army, surprising Hardrada and Tostig at Stamford Bridge on September 25. The battle was brutal, but Harold emerged victorious, killing Hardrada and ending the Norwegian threat.
The Norman Landing and the Battle of Hastings
Almost immediately after the victory in the north, Harold had to march his weary troops south to face William, who had landed in Sussex on September 28, 1066, with a formidable invasion force.
On October 14, 1066, the two armies clashed at the Battle of Hastings. Harold’s forces took a strong defensive position on Senlac Hill, but William’s tactical use of cavalry, archers, and infantry eventually broke the English shield wall.
Harold was killed in the battle—according to legend, struck in the eye by an arrow—and William emerged as the undisputed victor. This battle effectively decided the fate of the English throne. shutdown123