<P> The exact numbers present at the battle are unknown ; modern estimates are around 10,000 for William and about 7,000 for Harold . The composition of the forces is clearer ; the English army was composed almost entirely of infantry and had few archers , whereas only about half of the invading force was infantry , the rest split equally between cavalry and archers . Harold appears to have tried to surprise William , but scouts found his army and reported its arrival to William , who marched from Hastings to the battlefield to confront Harold . The battle lasted from about 9 am to dusk . Early efforts of the invaders to break the English battle lines had little effect ; therefore , the Normans adopted the tactic of pretending to flee in panic and then turning on their pursuers . Harold 's death , probably near the end of the battle , led to the retreat and defeat of most of his army . After further marching and some skirmishes , William was crowned as king on Christmas Day 1066 . </P>
<P> The exact numbers present at the battle are unknown ; modern estimates are around 10,000 for William and about 7,000 for Harold . The composition of the forces is clearer ; the English army was composed almost entirely of infantry and had few archers , whereas only about half of the invading force was infantry , the rest split equally between cavalry and archers . Harold appears to have tried to surprise William , but scouts found his army and reported its arrival to William , who marched from Hastings to the battlefield to confront Harold . The battle lasted from about 9 am to dusk . Early efforts of the invaders to break the English battle lines had little effect ; therefore , the Normans adopted the tactic of pretending to flee in panic and then turning on their pursuers . Harold 's death , probably near the end of the battle , led to the retreat and defeat of most of his army . After further marching and some skirmishes , William was crowned as king on Christmas Day 1066 . </P>
when did the battle of hastings start and finish
when did the battle of hastings start and finish
from about 9 am to dusk
from about 9 am to dusk