Lead: Most battles have little effect beyond the blood and pain of those involved. No can say that about Hastings. Intro.: A Moment in Time with Dan Roberts. Content: A generation ago it would have been hard to find a student who could not tell you the significance of year 1066. It was then in October that the forces of William, Duke of Normandy, crossed the Channel from France and defeated the English Army of King Harold before the coastal village of Hastings. Loading... Taking too long? Reload document | Open in new tab Download [4.89 KB] Share