By Chris Brown

Origins and Claims  Was born in 1028 as the illegitimate son of Robert the Devil in Falaise Castle.  He gained control of the Duchy of Normandy when he was 7 years old.  Visited his cousin the English King Edward the Confessor, who promised him the throne.

Getting Screwed Over  Harold the Saxon was the chief candidate for the English throne. He was shipwrecked in Norman Lands. William the Bastard captured him and made him swear an oath of fealty to support him over the bones of a saint.  When Edward the Confessor died, Harold the Saxon took the throne. William flew into a rage.

The Battle of Hastings  Took place in 1066, around October.  Harold’s forces were already weakened.  The Normans numbered 5800 against a force of  The Normans fought an uphill battle.

Can’t Keep a Good Badass Down  After repeated failed attacks, William had seemed to die. His men started to retreat and fall back.  William was not dead, he removed his helmet and rallied his troops.  Inspired by their leader they broke the Saxon counter assault.

Sun Down, Everyone Take a Break  7 hours of hard fighting, the sun was going down.  Harold the Saxon is killed just before the sun went down.  The Saxons broke ranks and fled.  William was victorious and was crowned King of England in London, 1066.