a battle in southeastern England in 1066. Invaders from the Frenchprovince of Normandy, led by William the Conqueror, defeated English forces under King Harold. William declared himself king, thus bringing about the Norman Conquest (the overthrow of the English government which strengthened the power of the king and brought a great number of French influences to the English language and Englishinstitutions). —PDC 2 Approved Glossary