William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, initiated a significant military campaign by landing his forces at Pevensey on the southern coast of England. This event was the culmination of a series of events following the death of King Edward the Confessor earlier that year, which led to a power vacuum and rival claims to the English throne. William claimed that Edward had promised him kingship, a claim that was disputed in favor of Harold Godwinson, another claimant. Upon arriving in England, William quickly mobilized his troops and captured key locations, laying the groundwork for conquest.

The invasion proceeded alongside political machinations back in England, where Harold Godwinson had just secured victory against another rival, Harald Hardrada of Norway, at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Harold then rushed south to confront William's forces. The well-coordinated invasion by William, characterized by his determination and resourcefulness, resulted in a decisive confrontation at the Battle of Hastings, where Harold was defeated, marking a pivotal turn in English history.

William's successful establishment of Norman rule drastically transformed the political, social, and cultural landscape of England. Normans introduced feudalism, reshaped the aristocracy, and initiated significant architectural advancements, including the construction of castles and the famous Tower of London. This era not only altered the lineage of English monarchs but also set in motion centuries of rivalry and cultural integration between the Anglo-Saxons and Normans.