1066 facts for kids

The year 1066 was a time of huge change for England. This single year saw four different kings rule the country! It started with Anglo-Saxon leaders and ended with Norman rule. This was the only time since the Romans were in Britain that the whole country was successfully invaded.

Kings of England in 1066

This year was very unusual because four different people were considered King of England at various times:

• Edward the Confessor (ruled until January 5, 1066): He was the long-time Anglo-Saxon king. His death set off the struggle for the throne.
• Harold Godwinson (ruled until October 14, 1066): Edward's brother-in-law, he was crowned king right after Edward died.
• Edgar the Ætheling (ruled until December 10, 1066): A young descendant of earlier kings, he was briefly chosen as king after Harold's death but never truly ruled.
• William I (started ruling December 10, 1066): Also known as the Duke of Normandy, he invaded England and became king.

Major Events of 1066

This year was packed with important events, especially battles that changed England forever.

Harold Becomes King

• January 6: Just one day after King Edward the Confessor died, Harold II was crowned the new King of England. He was a powerful English earl.

Battles for the Throne

Two major battles decided who would rule England.

Battle of Stamford Bridge

• September 25: King Harold II had to quickly march his army north. He faced an invasion from Norway. The Norwegian king, Harald Hardraada, and Harold's own brother, Tostig, had invaded.
• Harold's army surprised them at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. It was a fierce fight. Both Harald Hardraada and Tostig were killed in this battle. Harold won a great victory.

Battle of Hastings

• October 14: Just a few weeks after his victory in the north, King Harold had to rush his tired army south. William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy (a region in France), had invaded England.
• William believed he had a right to the English throne. His army landed in the south of England.
• The two armies met at the Battle of Hastings. This was one of the most famous battles in English history.
• King Harold was killed during the battle. His death meant the English army lost its leader.
• William the Conqueror won the Battle of Hastings. This victory marked the beginning of Norman rule in England. It also started a new period in English history called the Middle Ages.

Important People Who Died in 1066

Many important figures died in this eventful year, especially during the battles for the throne.

Deaths in January

• January 4 or 5: King Edward the Confessor of England died. His death led to the struggle for the crown.

Deaths at Stamford Bridge

• September 25: These leaders were killed during the Battle of Stamford Bridge:
  • King Harald III of Norway (born in 1015)
  • Tostig Godwinson, who was an Earl of Northumbria and King Harold's brother.

Deaths at Hastings

• October 14: These important people died during the Battle of Hastings:
  • King Harold II of England
  • Leofwine Godwinson, King Harold II's brother
  • Gyrth Godwinson, another of King Harold II's brothers

See also

In Spanish: 1066 para niños