---
title: "Battle of Hastings and 1066"
description: "The events of 1066: the death of Edward the Confessor, three claimants to the throne, the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror, and the Bayeux Tapestry as a historical source"
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/battle-of-hastings-and-1066-mt_OiDHqtLoln
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/battle-of-hastings-and-1066-mt_OiDHqtLoln.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Battle of Hastings and 1066

The events of 1066: the death of Edward the Confessor, three claimants to the throne, the Battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror, and the Bayeux Tapestry as a historical source

Subject: History · Area: Medieval Times · Ages 7 to 9
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/battle-of-hastings-and-1066-mt_OiDHqtLoln

## Ready when they can

- Explain why there was a crisis when Edward the Confessor died in 1066
- Describe the Battle of Hastings and its outcome
- Explain what the Bayeux Tapestry is and why it is important as a historical source

## Lesson: Battle of Hastings and 1066

We now go back to 1066, before the Black Death. King Edward the Confessor died in 1066 without children. People disagreed about who should rule England next. Harold Godwinson, Harald Hardrada of Norway, and William of Normandy were three leading rivals for the crown.

Harold Godwinson was crowned king. Harald Hardrada invaded northern England, but Harold defeated him at Stamford Bridge. William said Edward had promised him the crown. William brought an army from Normandy to southern England. Harold then took his army south to face William.

*(drawing: Harold fought in the north before facing William in the south.)*

The Battle of Hastings took place on 14 October 1066. William's army defeated Harold's army, and Harold was killed. William was crowned king of England on Christmas Day that year. He became known as William the Conqueror.

The Bayeux Tapestry is about 70 metres long. Its pictures and words are embroidered: thread is stitched onto cloth to make them. Made soon after 1066, it shows ships, clothing, weapons, and events leading to Hastings. It mainly presents the Norman side, and its ending is missing. Historians compare it with other evidence.

**Recap.** Rivals disputed England's crown in 1066. William won at Hastings. The Bayeux Tapestry gives useful clues, but does not tell every side of the story.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Kings & Queens](https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/kings-and-queens-mt_2DBPJ38iWl)
- [Vikings vs Anglo-Saxons](https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/vikings-vs-anglo-saxons-mt_6XnezHOcM3)
- [Evidence from the past](https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/evidence-from-the-past-mt_9REmUc8r4D)

## Opens up

- [Medieval Pyramid of Power](https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/medieval-pyramid-of-power-mt_bjlY5TE1y-)
- [Castle Design Through the Ages](https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/castle-design-through-the-ages-mt_doVAdMqfJg)
- [Britain after 1066](https://lightmysky.com/learn/history/britain-after-1066-mt_q9nvf5GuED)