Edward the Confessor's Death: Sparked succession crisis.
Harold Godwinson: Ascends to the throne.
Battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge: Harold Godwinson defeated the Vikings; the army was victorious in York.
William's Claim and Invasion Preparation
William of Normandy: Believes the English throne is his by right.
Normandy Preparation: William assembles about 7,000 troops, including knights and archers, using new military technologies such as stirrups and chainmail.
Delay due to Weather: William waits for favorable wind conditions.
The Norman Invasion
Landing at Pevensey: On September 28, 1066, William lands with a large force and constructs a bailey castle.
Raiding Local Areas: To gather supplies and provoke Harold Godwinson.
Harold Godwinson's Response
News Travels to York: Fast communication leads Harold to march south.
Advised to Gather Forces: Harold advised to regroup but chooses to march to face William.
The Battle of Hastings
Date and Location: October 14, 1066, near Hastings.
Harold's Army: About 7,000 strong, all on foot, forms a shield wall on Senlac Hill.
Norman Forces: Attempt to break the shield wall with cavalry and archers.
Key Turning Points in the Battle
Rumor of William's Death: Affects Anglo-Saxon morale.
William's Revelation: William shows he is alive, rallies troops.
False Retreat Tactic: Normans feign retreat, draw out Anglo-Saxons.
Outcome of the Battle
Breaking of Shield Wall: Anglo-Saxons break formation, Normans capitalize.
Harold Godwinson's Death: Struck by an arrow (according to some sources), leads to Anglo-Saxon retreat.
Aftermath
Norman Victory: Decisive win, leads to Norman control.
William's Coronation: Crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066.
William the Conqueror: Legacy
Conquest of England: Marked beginning of Norman rule in England.