Hastings – The Norman Conquest of England

Episode 7 of Turning Points: History’s Greatest Battles recounts the Battle of Hastings (1066), where William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold Godwinson of England. After Harold had just repelled a Viking invasion in the north, he rushed south to face William’s invading Norman army. Harold’s troops formed a strong shield wall atop Senlac Hill, initially repelling Norman attacks. However, the tide turned when sections of Harold’s men broke formation to chase what appeared to be a Norman retreat — possibly a feigned maneuver. William seized the opportunity, counterattacked with cavalry, and gradually broke the shield wall. King Harold was killed in the fighting, leading to a complete Norman victory. The Battle of Hastings was not just a military conquest but a cultural transformation. William became King of England, introducing Norman rule, feudalism, new architecture, and the fusion of Anglo-Saxon and French language that laid the foundations of modern English. #Tags:#TurningPointsPodcast #BattleOfHastings #NormanConquest #WilliamTheConqueror #HaroldGodwinson #MedievalHistory #1066 #GreatBattles #MilitaryStrategy #HistoryOfEngland