Dan explains everything you need to know about 1066! When the armies of William, the Duke of Normandy, and the Anglo-Saxon King Harold Godwinson clashed near Hastings in one of the most famous battles in history and one that would decide the fate of the English throne. We all know the outcome, but how and why did the battle take place? To answer this question, Dan returns with another explainer episode to tell the incredible story of how William was able to defeat Harold on that bloody day in 1066 to become King of England. 0:00 - Introduction To The Epic Battle Of 1066 A visceral description of the brutal, close-quarters combat during the Battle of Hastings. It's the pivotal year of 1066, with its three major battles, and the fight for the English crown. 2:50 - James Norton - Behind the Scenes with 'King and Conqueror' An interview with actor James Norton playing Kirng Harold and the show's creators, discussing the narrative choices, the relationship between Harold and William, and the physical challenges of filming the battle sequences. 7:12 - An Age of Violence & Succession Historical context, the 11th century was a violent era where succession to a throne was almost always contested and dangerous. 12:35 - The English Succession Crisis: Three Claimants, One Crown An exploration of the central conflict: King Edward the Confessor dies without an heir, opening the door for three powerful men to claim the throne of England: Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy, and Harald Hardrada. 20:28 - England Braces for Two Invasions King Harold raises an army to defend the southern coast from William's Normans, but after a long summer, the army is disbanded at the worst possible moment. 24:23 - The Last Great Viking: Harald Hardrada Attacks The first invasion begins. Harold Godwinson's own brother, Tostig, allies with the fearsome Viking king Harald Hardrada to invade the north of England. 31:43 - The Battle of Stamford Bridge King Harold performs an incredible forced march north to surprise the Viking invaders, resulting in a stunning and decisive English victory. 36:20 - The Normans Finally Land Just days after his victory in the north, Harold receives the devastating news that William of Normandy has landed his army on the south coast. 39:36 - The Battle of Hastings Begins: The Shield Wall The two armies meet on Senlac Hill. The Norman knights and archers launch repeated attacks against the formidable English shield wall, which holds firm for hours. 47:31 - The Tide Turns: William's Cunning Tactics A crisis in the Norman ranks is averted by William's leadership. The Normans use feigned retreats to lure Englishmen out from the protection of the shield wall, slowly grinding down their numbers. 51:23 - The Death of King Harold In the late stages of the battle, King Harold is killed, and the English line finally breaks. The Normans overwhelm the remaining forces. 55:51 - Aftermath: The Norman Conquest of England William is crowned King of England on Christmas Day. The chapter explains the profound and lasting impact of the Norman Conquest, which replaced the English elite and fundamentally changed English culture, language, and politics forever. Produced by Mariana Des Forges, edited by Matthew Wilson & the channel manager is Vilde Øksnes. You can find more Dan Snow's History Hit on the audio podcast here: Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at All music from Epidemic Sounds. #DanSnowsHistoryHit #HistoryPodcast #Hastings #JamesNorton