1066: The Year that Changed Everything Season 1 Episode 2 England and Normandy Before Conquest ( Air Date 2021-08-16 ) Genre Documentary category. Overview "Take a closer look at the half-century between the Danish conquest of England in 1016 and the fateful year of 1066-a chaotic time when power was up for grabs. Two figures were crucial during this time. The first: Edward the Confessor, who succeeded to the English throne in 1042 but was dominated by the powerful Godwinsons. The second: William the Bastard, the ruler of Normandy, who brought the Norman nobles under control and then set his sights on conquering England.".