The Normans Invade

Edward the Confessor died in January 1066 and the Whitan chose Harold as king. However, William was a ruthless soldier and he was determined to fight for the crown. Before these two men could meet in battle another contender stepped forward to make his claim. Harald Hardrada of Norway landed in the north of England with the support of Harold's brother Tostig. Tostig had previously caused problems with the Northumbrians and so Harold had been forced to send him away, and he left to join Harald Hardrada's army.

Harold led his men north to fight the Norwegians at the battle of Stamford Bridge near York. The English were victorious and Harald Hardrada and Tostig were both killed in the fighting. Then came the news that Harold had been dreading - William had landed in Sussex. Harold and his weary army headed south, and on 14th October 1066 the English and the Norman armies met on Senlac Hill near Hastings.

Harold was killed during the battle by an arrow which pierced his eye, and on Christmas Day 1066 William was crowned King of England. The Anglo-Saxon period was over and a new society was ready to take its place.

[Original author: Miranda Greene, 2005]