<sod>William's claim to the English throne derived from his familial relationship with the childless [[Anglo-Saxon]] King [[Edward the Confessor]], who may have encouraged William's hopes for the throne. Edward died in January 1066 and was succeeded by his brother-in-law [[Harold Godwinson]]. The [[Norwegian kings|Norwegian]] king [[Harald Hardrada]] invaded northern England in September 1066 and was victorious at the [[Battle of Fulford]], but Harold defeated and killed him at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]] on 25 September 1066. Within days, William landed in southern England. Harold marched south to confront him, leaving a significant portion of his army in the north. Harold's army confronted William's invaders on 14 October at the [[Battle of Hastings]]; William's force defeated Harold, who was killed in the engagement.<eod>
<sod>William's claim to the English throne derived from his familial relationship with the childless [[Anglo-Saxon]] King [[Edward the Confessor]], who may have encouraged William's hopes for the throne. Edward died in January 1066 and was succeeded by his brother-in-law [[Harold Godwinson]]. The [[Norwegian kings|Norwegian]] king [[Harald Hardrada]] invaded northern England in September 1066 and was victorious at the [[Battle of Fulford]], but Harold defeated and killed him at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]] on 25 September. Within days, William landed in southern England. Harold marched south to confront him, leaving a significant portion of his army in the north. Harold's army confronted William's invaders on 14 October at the [[Battle of Hastings]]; William's force defeated Harold, who was killed in the engagement.<eod>