How did William gain control of England?
How did William gain control of England? After defeating Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings, William of Normandy was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066. Taking the crown didn't mean everyone in England supported him though, and he faced challenges in securing control of England.
Who was king before William the Conqueror?
Harold Godwinson ( c. 1022 ? 14 October 1066), also called Harold II, was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon English king. Harold reigned from 6 January 1066 until his death at the Battle of Hastings, fighting the Norman invaders led by William the Conqueror during the Norman conquest of England.
Why is 1066 so important?
1066 was a momentous year for England. The death of the elderly English king, Edward the Confessor, on 5 January set off a chain of events that would lead, on 14 October, to the Battle of Hastings. In the years that followed, the Normans had a profound impact on the country they had conquered.