The major event that took place in 1066 in England was the Norman Conquest. It began with the Battle of Hastings, where William, Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II of England. The conquest was fueled by disputes over succession to the English throne after the death of Edward the Confessor. William's victory had profound and lasting effects on England, leading to the establishment of Norman rule, significant cultural changes, and the introduction of the feudal system. The event is a pivotal moment in English history, forever altering the nation’s political structure and culture.