The Battle of Hastings was fought on October 14, 1066, near Hastings, in Sussex, England. This pivotal event marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon era in England, ushering in the Norman Conquest.
The battle was the result of a succession crisis following the death of Edward the Confessor, the childless English king, who died on January 5, 1066. Edward had promised the throne to several claimants:
The battle itself was between the forces of Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy:
The battle began with William's archers trying to break the shield wall formed by Harold's troops. After several failed attempts, the Normans feigned a retreat, which tricked some of Harold's men to break their formation. During the battle, Harold was killed, likely by an arrow to the eye, though this detail is contested.
Harold's death led to the collapse of Anglo-Saxon resistance. William was crowned King of England on Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day, 1066. The Battle of Hastings:
The Bayeux Tapestry is one of the most significant historical records of the battle, depicting the events leading up to and including the battle. The tapestry is now housed in Bayeux, France.