Battle of Hastings
The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066 between the invading Norman-French army led by Duke William of Normandy and the English army commanded by the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson. This pivotal battle was part of the Norman Conquest of England, marking the end of Anglo-Saxon rule and the beginning of Norman influence in England.
Context and Prelude
The death of Edward the Confessor without a clear heir led to a succession crisis. Harold Godwinson was chosen by the Witenagemot to become king, but his claim was challenged by both William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada, King of Norway. William claimed that Harold had sworn on holy relics to support his claim to the English throne, whereas Hardrada believed he had a prior claim due to an agreement between his predecessor and Edward the Confessor.
The Battle
The battle took place approximately 7 miles (11 kilometers) northwest of Hastings, close to the present-day town of Battle. Here are key points:
- Norman Forces: William's army consisted of cavalry, archers, and infantry, with an estimated total of 7,000 to 8,000 men.
- English Forces: Harold's army was mainly composed of infantry, with estimates ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 men.
- Harold's Position: Harold chose to position his forces on Senlac Hill, using the high ground to his advantage.
- Tactics: The Normans feigned retreats to break the English shield wall, a tactic that eventually worked, causing Harold's forces to break formation.
- Outcome: The battle was fiercely contested, but the death of Harold, reportedly from an arrow in the eye, led to the collapse of English resistance. The Normans won, securing William's claim to the English throne.
Aftermath
Following the battle, William marched on London and was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066 in Westminster Abbey. The battle had significant consequences:
- It ended Anglo-Saxon dominance in England, initiating the Norman rule which would influence English culture, law, and architecture.
- The English nobility was largely replaced by Normans, leading to significant land redistribution.
- The Domesday Book, commissioned by William in 1086, was a comprehensive survey of land and resources in England, reflecting the new order.
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