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Key points

  • Harold Godwinson had defeated Harold Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066. For more on the claimants to the throne in 1066, read this guide.
  • Three days later, William of Normandy invaded England, seeking to claim the throne.
  • William and Harold fought at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October.
  • William was victorious and was crowned King of England on Christmas Day, 1066.

Video about the Battle of Hastings

Watch this video to learn about the Battle of Hastings in 1066

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Background to the Battle of Hastings

Following the death of Edward the Confessor, William, the Duke of Normandy, was angry when Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England in January 1066.

William planned to Invade in August, but poor weather conditions meant he had to wait until September. He carried with him the , meaning he had the support of the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church.

William landed on the south coast of England with his army while Harold Godwinson was on his way back from the north, where he had defeated Harald Hardrada鈥檚 invasion at Stamford Bridge. William and his army headed to Hastings via London, collecting extra troops on the way. In contrast to Harold Godwinson鈥檚 army, William and his men were well-rested and prepared for battle. The two sides lined up against each other at Senlac Hill, seven miles outside of Hastings, on 14 October 1066.

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Claimants to the throne activity

Learn more about the claimants to the throne in 1066 with this activity.

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Who fought in the Battle of Hastings?

The two sides:

Harold Godwinson鈥檚 armyWilliam鈥檚 Norman army
Types of soldiersHarold鈥檚 army was largely made up of the and .William had a range of soldiers available to him: , and .
Fighting experienceHarold鈥檚 army had a mix of fighting experience. The fyrd were part-time soldiers who were called up to fight when needed. They had little training and were not well armed, often using farming tools for weapons. The housecarls were well-trained, professional soldiers.It is believed that William鈥檚 army had more fighting experience overall.
SizeIt is believed Harold had between 7,000 and 8,000 soldiers at Hastings.Most historians think William鈥檚 army was also between 7,000 and 8,000 soldiers.
EnergyHarold鈥檚 army were tired from just defeating Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge.William鈥檚 army were well-rested and ready for battle.

Who do you think had the stronger army? Harold or William?

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What happened at the Battle of Hastings?

The events of the battle

  • The Battle of Hastings began at 9am on 14 October 1066. Harold鈥檚 army was lined up at the top of Senlac Hill, forming a shield wall facing down against William鈥檚 army. At the start of the battle, William鈥檚 archers fired their arrows up towards Harold鈥檚 army but were struggling to break through the shield wall.
  • William鈥檚 cavalry then tried to charge up the hill, but they also could not break past the defensive line and were beaten back by Harold鈥檚 men.
  • A rumour spread through the Norman army that William had been killed, but he lifted his helmet and rode past his troops to show them he was still alive.
  • Harold鈥檚 position was looking strong, but William ordered his soldiers to advance part way up the hill and then pretend to retreat. This was hugely effective. Harold鈥檚 army lost their discipline and started charging down the hill, losing their strong defensive position. William鈥檚 cavalry were able to get amongst the English army and cause huge damage, as Harold鈥檚 army had lost the protection of the shield wall and their defensive position at the top of the hill.
  • There is some uncertainty as to how Harold Godwinson died. The has the words 'Harold is killed' next to a man with an arrow in his eye, but it is impossible to know which soldier is Harold because all of the English soldiers are dressed identically.
  • Harold鈥檚 remaining soldiers lost motivation when news of his death spread across the battlefield. Some fled, and the ones who stayed to fight were left with little hope.
A storyboard of the Battle of Hastings showing Harold's  army's shield wall, William's army's fake retreat, Harold's army chasing them down the hill, and William winning the battle.
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Activity - Put these events into the correct order

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Why did William win?

  • Tiredness: Harold鈥檚 army had to march north to fight Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge, before turning back to march to the south to face William at Hastings. Many of the English army had been killed and the those who were left would have been extremely tired.
  • Tactics: William鈥檚 army pretended to retreat, tempting Harold鈥檚 army into losing their strong defensive position to run after them. William鈥檚 army was then able to turn round and attack Harold鈥檚 weakened position.
  • Army strength: William had a greater range of soldiers for the battle. As well as foot soldiers, he had a cavalry and more skilled archers. This gave his side a big advantage in the range of tactics and attacks they could carry out.
  • Leadership: William was on horseback and had an overview of the whole battlefield. When a rumour went round his army that he had been killed, he lifted his helmet to show them he was still alive. In contrast, Harold was on foot and was unable to stop his army losing their discipline and chasing down Senlac Hill after William鈥檚 retreating soldiers.

Could Harold have done anything differently to win?

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What happened after the Battle of Hastings?

Winning the Battle of Hastings was only the beginning of the Norman Conquest. It was a turbulent time for England, with three kings in one year. After William won the Battle of Hastings, his army had to capture and subdue towns across the southeast. The Normans were not welcomed with open arms, suggesting that many English people were not happy about the change in leadership.

William seized Dover and Winchester, before advancing to London. He was crowned on Christmas Day, becoming England鈥檚 third king in 1066. He went on to make many changes to secure his control of England. Many of these changes had long lasting effects, for example land ownership, the building of castles, and the introduction of some Norman laws.

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The Bayeux Tapestry

The Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of England in the 11th Century
Image caption,
The Bayeux Tapestry depicting the Norman invasion of England in the 11th Century

The Bayeux Tapestry was produced by the Normans following William鈥檚 conquest. Its origins are not known for certain, but some historians believe it was arranged by William鈥檚 half-brother, Odo, and sewn by English women.

The tapestry is 70 metres long and gives an account of events from 1064 - 1066. Although the tapestry was made almost 1,000 years ago, historians still debate about who made it, why it was created and how it presents the events of 1064 - 1066.

How is Harold presented in the Bayeux Tapestry?

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Test your knowledge

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Teaching resources

Looking for something extra to help bring your history lessons to life? This animated series tells the story of how William The Conquerer successfully conquered England in 1066 and became the first Norman King of England.

91热爆 Teach has thousands of free, curriculum-linked resources to help deliver lessons - all arranged by subject and age group.

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Play the History Detectives game! game

Analyse and evaluate evidence to uncover some of history鈥檚 burning questions in this game.

Play the History Detectives game!
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