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1066: the year of three kings
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In 1066 England had three kings in one year. By Christmas, a Norman duke wore the crown.
Who should be king?
King Edward the Confessor died in January 1066 with no children.
Three men claimed the throne:
Harold Godwinson, the most powerful English earl, who was crowned on 6 January, the same day Edward was buried.
Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, a famous Viking warrior.
William, Duke of Normandy, who said Edward had promised him the crown.
Three men claimed the throne:
Harold Godwinson, the most powerful English earl, who was crowned on 6 January, the same day Edward was buried.
Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, a famous Viking warrior.
William, Duke of Normandy, who said Edward had promised him the crown.
Two battles
Hardrada invaded the north and won a battle near York. Harold marched his army north and beat him at Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066. Hardrada was killed.
Three days later, on 28 September, William landed at Pevensey on the south coast.
Harold marched south again, quickly, with a tired army.
Three days later, on 28 September, William landed at Pevensey on the south coast.
Harold marched south again, quickly, with a tired army.
The Battle of Hastings
On 14 October 1066 the armies met near Hastings. Harold's soldiers formed a shield wall on a hill.
The Normans used archers, cavalry (soldiers on horses) and possibly pretend retreats to draw the English down the hill.
Harold was killed and the English lost. William was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066. He became known as William the Conqueror.
The Normans used archers, cavalry (soldiers on horses) and possibly pretend retreats to draw the English down the hill.
Harold was killed and the English lost. William was crowned in Westminster Abbey on Christmas Day 1066. He became known as William the Conqueror.
Explain one reason why William won the Battle of Hastings.
- Pick a reason: Harold's army was tired after fighting at Stamford Bridge and marching south.
- Explain it: tired soldiers found it harder to hold the shield wall all day.
- Link it: when the shield wall broke and Harold was killed, the English lost.
Answer: For example: Harold's army was exhausted from fighting Hardrada three weeks earlier, so it was weaker at Hastings.
Edward the Confessor died in January 1066. Harold Godwinson beat Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge (25 September), then lost to William at Hastings (14 October). William was crowned on Christmas Day 1066.
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