Claim to the English Throne: William's claim to the English throne originated through his familial connection with King Edward the Confessor, the Anglo-Saxon king who ruled England from 1042 to 1066. Edward's death without a legitimate heir led to a succession dispute.
Support from Edward the Confessor: It is believed that King Edward may have favored William as his successor due to their close relationship. Some sources suggest that Edward made a verbal promise to bequeath the throne to William. However, there is no documented evidence of such a promise.
Harald Hadrada's Invasion: While William was preparing to invade England, another claimant, Harald Hardrada of Norway, launched an invasion of England in September 1066. He formed an alliance with Tostig Godwinson, the exiled earl of Northumbria.
Battle of Stamford Bridge: On September 25, 1066, the forces of Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson were decisively defeated by the English army led by King Harold II, Edward the Confessor's successor and brother-in-law. This victory consolidated Harold II's position as king.
William's Invasion: Despite the English victory at Stamford Bridge, William of Normandy landed in southern England on September 28, 1066, with a well-equipped army and cavalry. He claimed the throne as the rightful heir of Edward the Confessor.
Battle of Hastings: On October 14, 1066, William's forces faced the English army led by King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. After a fierce and hard-fought battle, Harold II was killed, and the English army was defeated.
Coronation: Following his victory at Hastings, William marched on to London and was crowned King of England on December 25, 1066, at Westminster Abbey. He ruled England until his death in 1087, introducing major reforms and establishing a centralized monarchy.
In summary, King William I's rise to the English throne was a combination of his familial connection with Edward the Confessor, the support of some English nobles, his decisive military victory at the Battle of Hastings, and his subsequent coronation in 1066. The Norman Conquest marked a significant turning point in English history, with the establishment of a new ruling dynasty and profound social, cultural, and legal changes in England.