10 Facts about Battle of Hastings

Wednesday, May 27th 2015. | History


If you want to know more about the battle between the English army and Norman-French army, check Facts about Battle of Hastings.  The leader of the English army was the Anglo-Saxon king. He was King Harold II. The Norman French army was led by the army Duke William II of Normandy. This battle occurred on October 14, 1066. Get more interesting facts about Battle of Hastings below:

Facts about Battle of Hastings 1: the conquest

The Battle of Hastings marked the conquest of Norman army for the English land. The name of the battle was derived from the name of the site. The battle occurred around 11 km or 7 miles northwest of Hastings. The present day location of this site is near Battle, East Sussex.

Facts about Battle of Hastings 2: the reason of the battle

The reason of the battle of Hastings is the claim of the throne. In January 1066, King Edward the Confessor died without any child. Therefore, several people claimed his throne and struggled for a succession.

Battle of Hastings 1066

Battle of Hastings 1066

Facts about Battle of Hastings 3: Harold

After the death of King Edward, Harold was crowned as the king. But he had to face the invasion from Harold III of Norway/Norwegian King Harald Hardrada, his brother Tostig, and William.

Facts about Battle of Hastings 4: Battle of Fulford

On 20 September 1066, the Englishmen could defeat Tostig and Hardrada in the battle of Fulford. Then they were killed by Harold at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Since both Hardrada and Tostig died, William left as the only opponent for Harold.

Facts about Battle of Hastings

Facts about Battle of Hastings

Facts about Battle of Hastings 5: the forces of William

On 28 September 1066, William and his army landed at Pevensey, south of England. To conquer the kingdom, they built a beachhead.

Facts about Battle of Hastings 6: the exact number for the army

The exact number of the army in both parties was unknown. However, it was estimated that Harold had 7,000 soldiers, while William had 10,000 soldiers with him. Get facts about Battle of Bosworth here.

Battle of Hastings Pic

Battle of Hastings Pic

Facts about Battle of Hastings 7: the composition of the army

Let’s find out the composition of the English army. Harold only had few archers. Most of them were infantry.

Facts about Battle of Hastings 8: the battle

To confront Harold, William and his soldiers marched from Hastings. The battle between Harold and William took place from 9 am to dusk.

Battle of Hastings Facts

Battle of Hastings Facts

Facts about Battle of Hastings 9: retreat

Harold died in the battle. The Englishmen decided to retreat. Get facts about Battle of Naseby here.

Facts about Battle of Hastings 10: becoming a king

After the death of Harold, William got the throne and he was crowned as the king on the Christmas day in 1066.

Battle of Hastings

Battle of Hastings

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