The Norman Conquest of 1066: why William won at Hastings
Learn why three men claimed the English throne in 1066, what happened at Hastings and how the Normans took control.
KS3GCSECurriculum fit: KS3 History (the Norman Conquest in the National Curriculum, medieval Britain 1066 to 1509) and GCSE History (exam boards cover the Norman period in some specifications).
On this page
What is it?
In 1066 the death of King Edward the Confessor without a clear heir led to a struggle for the English throne. Three men claimed it: Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada of Norway.
William's victory at the Battle of Hastings began the Norman Conquest, which changed English government, language, land ownership and architecture.
Key formulas and ideas
- January 1066: Edward the Confessor dies and Harold Godwinson is crowned.
- September 1066: Harold defeats Hardrada at Stamford Bridge (25 September) and then marches south.
- 14 October 1066: the Battle of Hastings. Harold is killed and William wins.
- 25 December 1066: William is crowned king at Westminster Abbey. In 1086 the Domesday Book records land and property.
Worked examples
Example 1: Rival claimants
Question: Explain why there were three claimants to the throne.
- Edward had no son, so the succession was unclear.
- Harold was chosen by the council and crowned.
- William claimed Edward had promised him the crown, and Hardrada claimed a link through earlier agreements.
Answer: A disputed succession gave three men a claim
Example 2: Why William won
Question: Give two reasons why Harold lost the Battle of Hastings.
- Harold's army had fought and marched hard after Stamford Bridge.
- William used archers and cavalry as well as infantry.
Answer: Tired army and William's mixed tactics
Example 3: Controlling England
Question: How did the Normans control England after 1066?
- They built castles in key places.
- They gave land to Norman lords who promised loyalty.
- The Domesday Book recorded wealth so it could be taxed.
Answer: Castles, loyal lords and the Domesday Survey
Common mistakes
- Saying William fought Hardrada at Hastings.
- Mixing up the dates of Stamford Bridge and Hastings.
- Describing events without explaining why they mattered.
- Forgetting that William's coronation was on Christmas Day 1066.
Practice questions
Frequently asked questions
Why did Harold lose at Hastings?
Historians point to several factors, including his army's earlier fighting and marching, and William's mix of archers, cavalry and infantry.
What was the Harrying of the North?
A series of brutal military campaigns in northern England in 1069 to 1070, in which William crushed rebellions.
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Reviewed by StudyMorrow editorial review on 5 Nov 2026.