The claim of Duke William II of Normandy to the English throne derives from his familial relationship with the childless Anglo-Saxon King Edward the Confessor, who may have encouraged William's royal hopes.

Edward dies in January 1066 and is succeeded by his brother-in-law Harold II of England.

The Norwegian king Harald Hardrada invades northern England in September and is victorious at the Battle of Fulford, but Harold defeats and kills him at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on September 25, 1066.

William lands in southern England within days leading an army of Continental soldiers—Norman, Breton, and French—to invade and occupy England.

Harold, leaving a significant portion of his army in the North, confronts William's invaders on October 14 at the Battle of Hastings; William's force defeat Harold, who is killed in the engagement.

The leader of the Norman Conquest of England becomes known as William the Conqueror.