The Battle of Hastings, fought on October 14, 1066, was a decisive Norman victory that marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon era in England and the beginning of Norman rule. The battle was fought between the Normans, led by Duke William of Normandy, and the English, led by King Harold II.
The Norman army was larger and better equipped than the English army, with a strong cavalry force and a formidable array of archers. The Normans also had the advantage of surprise, as they had landed on the south coast of England just a few days before the battle.
The English, on the other hand, had just fought a grueling battle against the Vikings at Stamford Bridge and were exhausted and under-equipped. They also had fewer soldiers, as many of their best warriors had been killed at Stamford Bridge.
The battle began early in the morning and lasted all day. It was fought on a hill above the town of Hastings, with the English arrayed on one side and the Normans on the other. The English fought bravely, but they were no match for the Normans' superior tactics and weapons.
As the day wore on, the English line began to falter. King Harold was killed and his army began to retreat. The Normans pursued them and slaughtered many of the fleeing English soldiers.
In the end, the Battle of Hastings was a resounding victory for the Normans. Duke William was crowned King of England on Christmas Day, 1066, and the Norman conquest of England had begun.
The Battle of Hastings was significant for a number of reasons. It marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon era in England and the beginning of Norman rule, which would have a profound impact on the language, culture, and political structure of the country. It also marked the beginning of a period of great upheaval and change in England, as the Normans brought with them new ideas, technologies, and ways of doing things.
Overall, the Battle of Hastings was won by the Normans due to their superior tactics, weapons, and the element of surprise. The English, exhausted from their previous battle against the Vikings and outmatched by the Normans, were unable to hold their ground and were ultimately defeated.