The battle of hastings History Timeline and Biographies

1066

The Death of King Edward the Confessor

King Edward the Confessor died on January 5, 1066, without an heir. His death created a power vacuum that led to a succession crisis, setting the stage for The Battle of Hastings. Various claimants, including Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy, emerged to assert their rights to the English throne.

1066

Harold Godwinson Crowned King of England

On January 6, 1066, Harold Godwinson was crowned King Harold II of England. His ascension to the throne was contested by William of Normandy, who believed he had a legitimate claim, thus escalating tensions that would lead to The Battle of Hastings later that year.

1066

The Norman Invasion Begins

In September 1066, William of Normandy assembled a large army and fleet to invade England, motivated by his claim to the throne and the desire to assert Norman power. This invasion was a direct precursor to The Battle of Hastings.

1066

The Battle of Stamford Bridge

On September 25, 1066, King Harold II defeated the invading Norwegians led by King Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. This victory temporarily secured Harold's position but left his forces exhausted and unprepared for the imminent Norman threat.

1066

The Landing at Pevensey

On September 28, 1066, William's forces landed at Pevensey Bay, marking the start of the Norman invasion. This event set the stage for The Battle of Hastings, as William sought to consolidate his hold over southern England.

1066

The March to Hastings

After landing, William marched his army towards Hastings, capturing strategic locations along the way. His advance was a critical part of the lead-up to The Battle of Hastings, showcasing the tactical maneuvers of the Norman forces.

1066

The Battle of Hastings

On October 14, 1066, The Battle of Hastings took place. The Norman army, utilizing cavalry and archers, clashed with Harold's infantry. Despite initial successes, Harold was ultimately defeated, and he was killed in battle, marking a turning point in English history.

1066

The Aftermath of The Battle of Hastings

Following his victory at The Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy began consolidating power, leading to the establishment of Norman rule in England. This marked the end of Anglo-Saxon dominance and the beginning of significant cultural changes.

1066

William the Conqueror Crowned King of England

On December 25, 1066, William was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey. His coronation symbolized the Norman conquest following The Battle of Hastings and the beginning of a new era in English history.

1067

The Construction of the Tower of London

In 1067, William ordered the construction of the Tower of London as a demonstration of Norman power and a means of controlling the English populace. This fortification was a direct result of the events following The Battle of Hastings.

1070

The Domesday Book Commissioned

In 1085, William commissioned the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of his new kingdom. This effort was influenced by the need for efficient governance after The Battle of Hastings and the Norman conquest.

1086

The Completion of the Domesday Book

The Domesday Book was completed in 1086, providing a detailed account of landholdings and resources in England. It served as a crucial administrative tool for William's rule following The Battle of Hastings.

1096

The Impact of The Battle of Hastings on Feudalism

The Battle of Hastings significantly accelerated the establishment of feudalism in England, as William redistributed land to his Norman supporters, fundamentally changing the social structure of the country.

1154

The legacy of The Battle of Hastings continued as the Plantagenet dynasty began in 1154, establishing a powerful lineage that shaped English history for centuries.

1215

The principles established after The Battle of Hastings laid the groundwork for the Magna Carta in 1215, as the Norman influence on governance began to evolve into a system that recognized certain rights of the nobility.