The Battle of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings took place on October 14, 1066. It was one of the most important battles in English history. On one side was Harold Godwinson, the English king. On the other side was William, the Duke of Normandy. They fought on a hill near the town of Hastings in southern England. The battle lasted all day and changed the course of history.

The Two Armies

Harold's army was made up of English soldiers. Many of them fought on foot with axes and shields. They had just marched south after fighting another battle in the north. They were tired but brave. William's army had soldiers on horseback and archers with bows and arrows. The Normans had crossed the sea and were ready to fight for the English throne.

The Battle and Its Result

The English soldiers stood on top of a hill and formed a wall of shields. The Normans attacked again and again but could not break through. Then the Normans pretended to run away. Some English soldiers chased them and broke the shield wall. The Normans turned around and fought back. King Harold was killed, and the English army fell apart. William had won the crown of England.

Fun Facts

• The battle lasted from about nine in the morning until sunset.
• According to legend, Harold was killed by an arrow that hit him in the eye.
• The exact spot where Harold fell is now marked by an abbey that William built.

Did You Know?

Just days before the Battle of Hastings, Harold had fought and won another battle 250 miles to the north. His tired soldiers then had to march all the way south to fight again!