Norman Conquest: The Battle of Hastings and the fall of Anglo-Saxon England

In 1066, England faced a dual invasion that fundamentally altered its history. Following King Harold II Godwinson’s victory over Norwegian King Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge in late September, Norman forces led by Duke William of Normandy landed at Pevensey on September 28.

Exhausted by the rapid march from the north to the south, Harold’s forces met the Normans at the Battle of Hastings. While the English held strong defensive positions on a ridge, the conflict lasted an entire day before the Norman conquest began. This transition led to the replacement of the English aristocracy and introduced significant French linguistic influences into the English language.