📕 Chapter 3: A Long and Illustrious History
In which year was the Battle of Hastings?
Correct answer: 1066
A 1016
✓ 1066
C 1086
D 1215
💡 Explanation
The Battle of Hastings took place in 1066.
Key facts to remember
- William, Duke of Normandy, invaded in 1066
- Harold II was killed at the Battle of Hastings
- William became known as William the Conqueror
- Last successful foreign invasion of England
- William introduced the feudal system
- Domesday Book created in 1086 — survey of land and property
- Normans built castles including the Tower of London
- Norman French was the language of the ruling class
- English and French eventually merged, enriching English vocabulary
Why this is the answer
From the official Life in the UK study material — 3.1.6 The Norman Conquest 1066:
In 1066, an invasion led by William, the Duke of Normandy (in what is now northern France), defeated the English king Harold II at the Battle of Hastings. Harold was killed during the battle — according to tradition, he was shot in the eye with an arrow. William became King of England and is known as William the Conqueror.
The Norman Conquest was the last successful foreign invasion of England. William introduced the feudal system, where the king owned all the land and granted it to his followers in return for military service. He also ordered the creation of the Domesday Book in 1086, a detailed survey of all the land and property in England.
The Normans built castles across England to control the population, including the Tower of London. They also built great cathedrals and churches. Norman French became the language of the court and the ruling class, while ordinary people continued to speak English. Over time, the two languages merged, greatly enriching the English vocabulary.
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