Feigned Retreat
Norman cavalry tactics draw some English fighters away from the ridge
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1066 in France — Page 2
Explore 100 historical events and records for France in 1066.
Historical records for France in 1066
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 40 of 100 unique records.
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October
Final Combined Assault
William combines renewed archery with cavalry attacks during the final phase of the struggle against Harold's line.
First Assault Repulsed
William's first attacks fail to break the English shield wall defending the ridge above the battlefield.
Norman Centre Command
William personally commands the Norman centre while allied contingents occupy the flanks of his battle line.
Norman Coalition Victory
Eustace fights on William's side at Hastings and survives the battle that defeats Harold's English army.
Pursuit after Hastings
William's troops pursue fleeing English forces after Harold's death ends organised resistance on the battlefield.
Repeated Feigned Withdrawals
William's forces use further withdrawals to draw English fighters downhill and weaken the defensive shield wall.
Rumour of William's Death
A rumour that William has been killed spreads during a retreat and threatens the cohesion of the Norman army.
Three-Division Battle Plan
William divides his army into Breton, Norman, and Frankish-Flemish divisions before the Battle of Hastings.
Victory
William wins the Battle of Hastings and opens the way to the English throne
Victory alongside William
Odo survives the Battle of Hastings and shares in the victory that opens the road to William's coronation.
William Reveals His Face
William removes or raises his helmet so retreating troops can see that he remains alive and in command.
Advance
William moves from Dover toward Canterbury to extend control in Kent
Advance
William advances toward Dover after the victory at Hastings
Battlefield Reconnaissance
William's forces study the ground around Hastings while awaiting the English army returning from the north.
Castle
Norman forces secure Dover as a key Channel stronghold
Castle
Norman forces build a temporary castle at Hastings to secure the landing area
Hastings Base Established
William establishes Hastings as the main fortified base for his army while waiting for Harold's approach.
Pressure on Harold
William's occupation and ravaging of the Hastings area puts political and military pressure on Harold to seek battle.
Sussex Foraging Operations
William allows troops to obtain supplies from the surrounding countryside while keeping the army close to its ships.
November
Advance
Norman forces threaten London from the south bank of the Thames
Crossing at Wallingford
William uses the Thames crossing at Wallingford to continue a western encirclement of London instead of attacking the city directly.
Illness
William is reported to have delayed after illness during the advance toward London
Thames Valley Advance
William advances through the Thames Valley after failing to secure an immediate submission from London.
December
Coronation
William is crowned king of England at Westminster Abbey
Coronation Acclamation
William is acclaimed in both English and French during his Christmas Day coronation at Westminster Abbey.
Coronation Completed amid Disorder
William and the clergy complete the coronation service while smoke and disorder drive many people from the abbey.
Coronation Fire
Norman guards mistake the coronation acclamation for an attack and set nearby buildings on fire outside Westminster Abbey.
Coronation of William the Conqueror
William is crowned king of England at Westminster Abbey
Disturbance
A disturbance outside Williams coronation causes Norman guards to set nearby buildings on fire
Ealdred Officiates
William receives the crown from Ealdred, Archbishop of York, because Archbishop Stigand does not perform the ceremony.
English Coronation Rite
William is crowned according to the established English coronation rite, reinforcing the legitimacy of his new kingship.
Crown Accepted
William agrees to take the English crown after the leading men of London and other magnates submit to his authority.
English Leaders Submit
William receives the submission of leading English nobles at Berkhamsted as organised resistance around London collapses.
Entry
William enters London after securing the submission of leading English nobles
March
William circles west of London to pressure the city into submission
Other events (month unknown)
Alliance Alan Brittany and Norman expedition
Breton forces join the Norman expedition and strengthen Williams cavalry arm
Alliance Eustace Boulogne and French and Norman coalition
Eustace of Boulogne joins the French and Norman coalition supporting Williams invasion
Allied Contingents Summoned
William summons Norman, Breton, Frankish and Flemish allies to provide men, ships, horses and equipment for the invasion.
Appeal for Papal Support
William seeks papal approval for his expedition, strengthening the religious and political case presented for invading England.
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.