The significance of the Battle of Hastings, fought on October 14, 1066, lies in its pivotal role in the Norman Conquest of England. William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II, significantly altering the course of English history. This victory not only ended Anglo-Saxon rule but also established Norman dominion, bringing profound changes to English society, language, and governance. The battle introduced feudalism to England, as William redistributed land to his followers and implemented the Norman legal system. The cultural synthesis that followed laid the foundation for modern England, affecting politics and social structures for centuries.