The Battle of Hastings

Key Facts:

The Battle of Hastings was fought between the Norman-French army of William, the Duke of Normandy, and an English army under the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson, beginning the Norman conquest of England. The battle was fought on October 14, 1066. It took place 7 miles northwest of Hastings, close to the present-day town of Battle, East Sussex.

Background of Battle:

The battle was fought because,  Edward (who is the king of England) promised to make William (the duke of Normandy) his heir. On Edwards deathbed he ended up granting the kingdom to Harold Godwine, head of the leading noble family in England and more powerful than the king himself. In January 1066, King Edward died, and Harold Godwine was proclaimed King Harold II. 

William was mad and decided to go to Pevensey (in England) on Britans southeast coast on September 28, 1066. There, he had 10,000 troops and led them to Hastings on October 13. The next day, October 14, Harold led his army of 7,000 and William led hid forces out to battle. 

Conclusion of Battle: 

At the end of the all day battle, Harold was dead and his army was destroyed. Harold was the last Anglo-Saxon (a Germanic inhabitant of England between the 5th century and the Norman Conquest.) king of England. The battle changed the course of history, crowning William the first Norman king of England.

Interesting Fact:

French became the language of the king’s court and gradually blended with the Anglo-Saxon tongue to give birth to modern English.

Personal Reflection:

My opinion about this topic is that it is very interesting how a big battle can start over something little but may was big to them during that time. I also think its amazing how the whole battle was mostly fought by using battle axes and spears. However in my opinion I do think if Harold had more troops he would’ve probably won. 

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