King Edward promised William, and Williams step brother Harold promise to support Edwards promise of william being king. In 1066 whe King Edward of England died Williams brother in law Harold inherited the throne, despite the promise he made to william. The council of england aslo refused William's claim of becoming King of england. This angered william, and william prepared to take England by force. William's forces were unable to leave the coast of normandy due to strong winds. However this worked to william's advantage. The Danish at this time had just begun another attempt to retake England. In order to protect his kingdom Harold moved his forces to guard Northern England. William used this time to set up camp near Hastings. October 14th, 1066 Harold brought his forces down to Hastings and clashed against William's. Harold died, and his forces were crushed in what is now referred to as the battle of the Hastings. On Christmas day 1066, William was crowned king.