What significant event occurred in 1066 involving William the Conqueror?

In 1066, William the Conqueror, originally known as William, Duke of Normandy, achieved a pivotal moment in history by claiming the throne of Anglo-Saxon England. This event was marked by the famous Battle of Hastings, where William defeated King Harold II. This victory was significant not only for William but also for the course of English history, as it led to the Norman Conquest of England.

William's claim to the throne was based on his distant relation to Edward the Confessor, the previous king, and he believed he had a legitimate right to rule. The success of his military campaign led to profound changes in the English social, political, and cultural landscape, including the introduction of Norman feudalism and significant shifts in land ownership and governance.

The other events listed, like the Battle of Bosworth Field, the defeat of the Spanish Armada, and the Napoleonic Wars, occurred in different historical contexts and are not related to William's conquest or claim to the English throne. Thus, the claim to the throne of Anglo-Saxon England in 1066 stands out as a defining moment associated with William’s legacy.