William the Conqueror, also known as William I, was the first Norman King of England. He invaded England in 1066 and claimed the throne after defeating King Harold II at the Battle of Hastings.

The Normans were descendants of Viking raiders who had settled in the region of Normandy in present-day France. They were known for their military prowess and had a well-trained army.

The invasion of England was sparked by a dispute over the English throne. When King Edward the Confessor died without an heir in 1066, the English throne was claimed by several contenders, including William of Normandy, King Harold II of England, and Harald Hardrada of Norway.

William claimed that he had been promised the throne by Edward the Confessor and that Harold had sworn an oath to support his claim. However, Harold was crowned king after Edward's death, which led to a conflict.

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William assembled a large army and fleet and set sail for England in September 1066. He landed in Sussex and advanced towards London. Meanwhile, Harold had been fighting off an invasion by the Norwegians in the north and was forced to march his exhausted army south to meet William's forces.

The two armies clashed at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. The battle was fierce and lasted all day. In the end, King Harold was killed, and the English army was defeated.

William was crowned King of England on Christmas Day 1066. His reign marked the beginning of the Norman Conquest, which had a profound impact on English society, culture, and politics.

The Normans introduced new systems of government, law, and language to England. They also built many castles and cathedrals, which still stand today.

In conclusion, the Norman Invasion of England led by William the Conqueror was a pivotal event in English history. It marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon era and the beginning of the Norman era, which would shape the course of English history for centuries to come.