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🏹 1066 and the Battle of Hastings

One year, one dead king, three rivals for the throne. Follow the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror's victory, and the Bayeux Tapestry that tells the tale.

lessons

~15 min

to learn

🏛️ History

subject

Ages 6–12

level

Start the course →

What you’ll learn

Three Kings, One ThroneExplain why the death of Edward the Confessor in 1066 caused a crisis over the throne.In January 1066 King Edward the Confessor died with no children, causing a crisis over who should rule. Three rivals claimed the throne: Harold Godwinson, a powerful English earl who was crowned first; Harald Hardrada, king of Norway; and William, Duke of Normandy. Harold first marched north and defeated Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
The Battle and the TapestryDescribe the Battle of Hastings and its outcome, and explain the Bayeux Tapestry as a source.After his victory in the north, Harold rushed south to face William of Normandy. On 14 October 1066 the two armies fought the Battle of Hastings; William's army won and Harold was killed. William was crowned on Christmas Day and became known as William the Conqueror. The Bayeux Tapestry, a long embroidered cloth made soon after, tells the story and helps historians learn what happened.

Questions this course answers

Why was there a crisis when Edward the Confessor died in 1066?

Edward died with no children to inherit the throne, so several powerful men all claimed the crown.

Who were the three rivals for the English throne in 1066?

The three claimants were Harold Godwinson of England, Harald Hardrada of Norway, and William of Normandy.

What was the outcome of the Battle of Hastings?

At the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, William's army won and King Harold was killed.

What name did William earn after winning England in battle?

Because he won England by battle, William became known as William the Conqueror.

What is the Bayeux Tapestry, and why is it useful?

The Bayeux Tapestry is a very long embroidered cloth showing the story of the Battle of Hastings, made soon after, so it helps historians.

Grounded in trusted sources

English Heritage
Britannica Kids
British Library
BBC Bitesize

Every Wunder lesson is built from real, reputable sources — never invented.

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