History of Wars Summary 20 - William's Conquest of England 3: William's Landing and the Battle of Hastings

While Harold was fighting the Norwegians in the north, William crossed the English Channel and landed in southern England. On September 28, 1066, the Norman forces arrived at Pevensey in Sussex, and William established a base near Hastings. He secured the surrounding areas and waited for Harold to descend. Harold's army moved quickly south after fighting the Battle of Stamford Bridge. On October 14, the two armies clashed near Hastings. The English army used the high ground to form a shield wall, while the Norman army attacked with a combination of infantry, archers, and cavalry. The battle raged from morning till evening, with neither side securing an easy victory. However, as the battle wore on, cracks began to appear in the English defense. William repeatedly committed his troops, pressuring the shield wall, and Harold's army gradually became exhausted. Ultimately, this battle would decide the fate of the Kingdom of England.