The Battle of Hastings (British History Events)

The background to the battle was the death of the childless King Edward ‘The Confessor’ in January 1066, which set up a succession struggle between several claimants to his throne. The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066 between the Norman-French army of William Duke of Normandy and an English army under the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson. It was a major turning point in British history and the beginning of the Norman Conquest. The battle took place approximately 7 mi (11 km) northwest of Hastings close to the present-day town of Battle in East Sussex. It was a very close struggle but after long hours of fighting it became a decisive Norman victory. Duke William was then able to be crowned William I King of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066. In-depth information is presented in an engaging and highly accessible way Superb illustrations throughout of the battle Maps, a time-line and glossary provide essential quick references.