On this day, 14 October, 1066, William, Duke of Normandy invaded the British Isles and changed the course of history.
His was the last successful invasion of Great Britain and followed a dispute over the succession to King Edward the Confessor who died in January 1066.
William believed that he had a rightful claim to the throne which had been claimed by Harold II. The King of Norway, Harald Hardrada also believed he was the rightful heir and attempted to invade the North East of England in September 1066. The English King and his troops beat off the invasion attempt at the battle of Stamford Bridge on 25 September. Shortly after this victory Harold heard that the Normans had landed on the South coast and was obliged to march South to defend the capital.
The battle of Hastings took place on 14 October and Harold, with his tired army, was beaten. He died on the battlefield, one of only three English Monarchs to suffer such a fate. William consolidated his hold on the Kingdom and was crowned William I on 25 December, in Westminster Abbey.