The year 1066 is significant in English history primarily due to the Battle of Hastings. This battle marked the beginning of the Norman Conquest of England, where the forces of William the Conqueror, the Duke of Normandy, defeated King Harold II of England. This event led to major changes in the English social and political landscape. Following the battle, William became the first Norman king of England, fundamentally altering the country's governance and culture. The introduction of Norman customs and the feudal system reshaped English society, influencing language, architecture, and law for centuries to come.