Battle of Hastings

Edward the Confessor dies

Jan 4, 1066

Harold Godwinson is crowned King of England

Jan 6, 1066

Preparation and March

Sep 15, 1066

Preparation and March: In September 1066, William the Conqueror of Normandy assembled his army on the coast of France, preparing to invade England. Meanwhile, Harold II of England was dealing with threats from both William and the Norwegian king, Harald Hardrada. After defeating Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on September 25, Harold rushed south to confront William.

Battle of Stamford Bridge

Sep 25, 1066

William's Landing

Sep 28, 1066

William's fleet landed at Pevensey Bay in Sussex, England, on September 28, 1066. His army began constructing a temporary fortress known as a motte-and-bailey castle.

Harold's March

Oct 2, 1066

Harold's forces had to march quickly south from Stamford Bridge to confront William. They arrived near Hastings in early October.

Formation of battle lines

Oct 14, 1066

Harold positioned his army on Senlac Hill, near Hastings, and formed a shield wall to defend against the Norman cavalry charges. William's army advanced and formed their own battle lines below the hill.

First day of Battle

Oct 14, 1066

The Normans launched repeated attacks on the English shield wall but were unable to break through. The fighting was fierce, with neither side gaining a decisive advantage. As dusk approached, the Normans withdrew to their camp, and the English held their position on the hill.

Second day of battle

Oct 15, 1066

Early in the morning, William's forces resumed their attacks on the English position. Harold's army, tired and depleted from the previous day's fighting, struggled to hold the line. During the battle, Harold was killed, likely by an arrow to the eye. This significantly weakened English morale, and some of Harold's forces began to flee.

Norman Victory

Oct 15, 1066

With the death of Harold and the disarray among the English forces, the Normans were able to break through the shield wall and claim victory. The remaining English troops retreated, and William emerged triumphant.

Aftermath - William crowned King of England

Dec 25, 1066

Following his victory at Hastings, William continued to march on London, where he was crowned King of England on Christmas Day, 1066. This marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England and the beginning of Norman rule. The Battle of Hastings is one of the most significant events in English history, shaping the country's language, culture, and political landscape for centuries to come.