In late September 1066, William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, embarked on a significant military venture, setting sail from the mouth of the Somme River. His armada was composed of hundreds of ships carrying around 10,000 soldiers, including knights, archers, and infantry, all eager to assert their dominance in England. This voyage aimed to fulfill William's claim to the English throne, which he believed was rightful since Edward the Confessor had promised it to him prior to his death. The tension over the throne intensified as Harold Godwinson, a powerful English nobleman, had been crowned king soon after Edward's passing, which challenged William's ambitions. Once William's fleet reached the southern coast of England, they landed near Hastings. The crossing itself was fraught with challenges, but the resolve of the Normans ensured a swift arrival. William’s strategic leadership and the support of his knights were pivotal in launching the Norman Conquest. The impending confrontation with Harold’s troops was not only a battle for the throne but a clash of two cultures—the Norman and the Anglo-Saxon—that would significantly alter the course of English history. William's conquest would lead to the establishment of Norman rule in England, changing its governance, culture, and architecture for generations to come.