Jan–Sep 1066

One year, three men who wanted the crown

Story 1 of 6

In January 1066 King Edward the Confessor of England died without children. Three men immediately claimed the throne:

Harold Godwinson, the most powerful nobleman in England, who was crowned straight away as Harold II.
Harald Hardrada, King of Norway and a Viking warrior.
William, Duke of Normandy, a region in what is now northern France. He said Edward had promised him the crown years before.

In September the Norwegians landed first, in the north. Harold II marched his army up to meet them and won at Stamford Bridge. Only days later, William's army landed on the south coast, and Harold had to rush his tired soldiers all the way back south.

Map of 1066: the Norwegians invade from the north, Harold marches north and back south, William crosses from Normandy — In the autumn of 1066 Harold II fought two battles in three weeks: first in the north against the Norwegians, then in the south against William.

JanEdward the Confessor dies and Harold II is crowned
25 SepBattle of Stamford Bridge: Harold II beats the Norwegians and Harald Hardrada is killed
28 SepWilliam lands at Pevensey on the south coast

Just three days after Stamford Bridge, William's Norman army landed in the south. Harold II had only just fought one battle, and now he had to march his army hundreds of miles back south, so his men were worn out before the fighting even began. The battle that would decide England's future was about to start.

Era contents: 1000 – 1200