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This battle lasted just one day—but forever changed England
After their triumph in the Battle of Hastings, the Normans left lasting marks on the country’s aristocracy, architecture, and even the English language.
In 1066, English king Harold had to fight two enemies in quick succession: the Norse in the north and the Normans in the east. But it was only the Norman duke, William, who threatened Harold's claim to the English throne. Harold, fresh off a victory over the Norse, was forced to march his weary men to Hastings, along the southeast coast to challenge the Normans on October 14 in a battle for English identity.
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