The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066 between the Norman forces of William, Duke of Normandy, and the English forces of King Harold Godwinson. The battle was fought near the town of Battle, East Sussex, England.
Background
In 1066, King Edward the Confessor of England died without an heir. This led to a succession crisis, with several claimants to the English throne. The main contenders were Harold Godwinson, the Earl of Wessex, and William, Duke of Normandy.
Harold was elected king by the English Witan, but William claimed the throne on the grounds that Edward had promised him the succession. William invaded England with a large army and landed in Pevensey, Sussex, in September 1066.
Harold marched south to meet William's invasion. The two armies met at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October.
The Battle
The Battle of Hastings was a day-long battle. The Normans were initially successful, with their cavalry driving back the English infantry. However, the English fought back fiercely and the battle became a stalemate.
In the afternoon, William ordered a cavalry charge against the English centre. This charge broke the English line and William's forces were able to advance. Harold was killed in the fighting and his army was defeated.
Aftermath
The victory at Hastings secured the English throne for William. He was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066. William's victory also led to the Norman Conquest of England, which had a profound impact on English history and culture.
How was the Battle of Hastings won?
William's victory at Hastings was due to a number of factors, including:
- His superior cavalry: William's cavalry was better trained and equipped than the English cavalry. This gave him a significant advantage in the battle.
- His use of archers: William's archers played a key role in the battle. They were able to rain down arrows on the English infantry, causing heavy casualties.
- His tactical skill: William was a skilled military commander. He was able to outmanoeuvre the English and take advantage of their weaknesses.
The Battle of Hastings was a turning point in English history. It led to the Norman Conquest of England and the subsequent changes that it brought.