The Battle of Hastings changed the course of Britain forever – and now, an epic BBC drama is finally bringing the events of 1066 to the screen.
King & Conqueror is due to be broadcast in August 2025, with James Norton (Happy Valley) as Harold, Earl of Wessex and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones) as William, Duke of Normandy.
A synopsis reads "King & Conqueror is the story of a clash that defined the future of a country – and a continent – for a thousand years, the roots of which stretch back decades and extend out through a pair of interconnected family dynasties, struggling for power across two countries and a raging sea.
"Harold of Wessex and William of Normandy were two men destined to meet at the Battle of Hastings in 1066; two allies with no design on the English throne, who found themselves forced by circumstance and personal obsession into a war for possession of its crown."
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Where was King & Conqueror filmed?
The majority of filming for King & Conqueror took place in Iceland in 2024, with the country's landscape creating a desolate feel. The battle scenes were likely filmed at Hjallaflatir, which is a site within Heiðmörk Nature Reserve east of Reykjavik. RÚV reported that the production had applied for a license to construct a small village. As part of the battle scenes, defensive walls would be built and around 180 people fighting and 50-70 horses used.
Where did the Battle of Hastings actually take place?
Despite its name, the Battle of Hastings took place close to the present-day town of Battle in East Sussex – with Senlac Hill being the generally-accepted location. The Saxon position was at the top of the hill where the Abbey now stands, with the Norman position downhill.
Can you visit the site of the Battle of Hastings?
Yes, you can visit the site where the Battle of Hastings was fought. You can walk the battlefield and Battle Abbey, which is owned by English Heritage.
Other Battle of Hastings locations to visit
Bayeux Tapestry
The events of 1066 are depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry which is currently displayed in Bayeux, France – but it will be displayed at the British Museum from August 2026-July 2027. A full-size Victorian replica can also be seen at Reading Museum in Berkshire, as well as exhibits on the background of the Norman Conquest.
Battle Abbey
Battle Abbey was constructed on the orders of King William I to commemorate the Battle of Hastings, with the high altar of the abbey church reputedly sited where Harold died.
Telham Hill
Walk in the footsteps of the Norman army at Telham Hill, near Battle. The circular walk has an open vista where William the Conqueror apparently first caught sight of the English army in 1066.
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Pevensey Castle
After landing at the Bay of Pevensey, William the Conqueror sheltered his army in a temporary fortification within the old Roman fort at Pevensey Castle. The next day, he marched his troops along the coast to Hastings and waited for King Harold to arrive from the north, and the battle to begin.
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