The Events Leading Up to the Norman Conquest of 1066

Here’s a simple look at what happened just before the Norman Conquest in 1066:

1. Edward the Confessor Dies (January 5, 1066):

   • King Edward passed away without any children to take over.
   • Before he died, he named Harold Godwinson, the strong Earl of Wessex, as the next king.

2. Harold Becomes King:

   • Just one day after Edward's death, Harold was crowned king on January 6, 1066.
   • However, there were others who wanted to be king too, especially William, the Duke of Normandy.

3. William's Claim to the Throne:

   • William said that Edward had promised him the throne.
   • He also claimed that Harold had sworn loyalty to him back in 1064.
   • After hearing that Harold was king, William started to prepare for an invasion of England.

4. The Battle of Stamford Bridge (September 25, 1066):

   • Harold had to fight another challenger, Harald Hardrada from Norway.
   • At Stamford Bridge, Harold won, killing about 3,000 Norwegians, including Hardrada.

5. William Invades England:

   • William sailed from Normandy with around 7,000 soldiers and landed in Pevensey on September 28, 1066.
   • His army was well-prepared, with foot soldiers, horse riders, and archers.

6. The Battle of Hastings (October 14, 1066):

   • After the tiring battle at Stamford Bridge, Harold faced William’s army in Hastings.
   • At first, Harold’s army held strong, but then William used a trick to confuse them.
   • During the battle, Harold was killed, which led to the end of Anglo-Saxon resistance.

In summary, Harold Godwinson became king quickly, and many people wanted the throne. This mix, along with William's timely invasion, led to a major change in British history.