William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings

When King Edward of England died in 1066, the man who replaced him was Harold Godwinson, who was one of Edward's advisors and the second most powerful man in England. Harold was the obvious choice, because he was Edward's brother-in-law and because of his powerful position in England.The problem was, William, the Duke of Normandy, who was Harold's distant cousin, also laid claim to the English throne; and another person, Harold Hardrada, the King of Norway, also wanted to be king. Both of these people were prepared to fight for it.<Tab/>
Hardrada struck first. He landed on th…