Photo by TeaMeister 
William the Conqueror reigned as King of England from 1066 until his death in 1087. A native of Normandy in northern France he led the Norman invasion of England. He became King of England following his victory over the reigning English king, Harold II, at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
King Harold II had been crowned King of England on January 6th 1066. There were three other claimants to the throne, his own brother Tostig, King Harald Hardrada of Norway and William, duke of Normandy. Having defeated Tostig and the Norwegian king, Harold marched his army south to face the invading Normans.
In the battle, which was fought about 11km (7 miles) north of Hastings, the English army was defeated and Harold II was killed. William the Conqueror marched to London where he was crowned the first Norman king of England on Christmas Day, 1066. He ruled England until his death in 1087.
William the Conqueror, a native of Normandy in Northern France, was crowned King of England following his victory over the reigning English king, Harold II, at the Battle of Hastings in the year 1066 On This Day.
William the Conqueror
Photo by TeaMeister
Caen castle – base for William the Conqueror