Is King & Conqueror historically accurate? Details from the James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau BBC drama, explored

BBC’s epic drama King & Conqueror brings to screen the story of the Battle of Hastings. Set in 1066, the series revolves around the fierce battle between Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex (played by James Norton), and William, Duke of Normandy (played by Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) for the coveted English throne. The historical event is often regarded as one of the key moments that molded the future of England.

While the series takes certain privileges with the narration for dramatic presentation, the essence of the famous story stays true to history. King & Conqueror however received some backlash from fans over its historical accuracy.

James Norton spoke about it on This Morning. He said:

“The majority of the history, the big story beats, are all true. Of course, you have to interpret between the lines because we don't have very much. We have the bear tapestry…we have often conflicting accounts of what actually happened…. Hopefully people will come along and recognize what is part of the truth and that will educate them and they'll enjoy the drama.”

King & Conqueror premiered on BBC One and BBC iPlayer on August 24, 2025. The series is produced by CBS Studios and the BBC with Norton and Coster-Waldau also taking on the role of executive producer. The period drama comprises of eight episodes and is created by Michael Robert Johnson.

Is King & Conqueror historically accurate?

King & Conqueror tells the story of the historic battle between Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy, who would also come to be known as the Conqueror.

From the get go, there are several key people in play including Edward the Confessor (played by Eddie Marsan), whose death would ultimately lead to the battle, Edith Swan-Neck (played by Emily Beecham), King Harold’s wife, Matilda of Flanders (played by Clémence Poésy), William’s wife and Queen Emma (played by Juliet Stevenson), the calculating mother of King Edward. The dynamics between the characters is part of real political history.

The eight episodes of the series take place over 20 years’ time frame. It is understandably difficult to jam pack every piece of historical element into it. For example, fates of many characters and how they will die has been fictionalized at different points.

King & Conqueror takes off in 1043 with the coronation of King Edward. While historians have debated that Edward the Confessor was a magnificent leader, some have also characterized him as weak and vulnerable. In the series however the audience see the later version, who is controlled by his mother. During his coronation, William and Harold will meet, which as per historical records may not have taken place since the earliest record says that William came to England in 1051. Also, they only meet in 1065 when Harold was in Normandy and gave his support to William for claim to the throne.

As we see in King & Conqueror, staying true to history, Earl Godwin of Wessex was one of the more powerful people in England and his closeness to the Danish King Cnut added to his status and eventually his son Harold will vie to become the King of England.

When Edward is crowned King, as per the series, Emma will ensure that her son sends Godwin to exile from England. While the story of exile is true, it happens in 1051, much after Edward takes the throne, as he was threatened by their influence. Also, to be noted is the fact that unlike shown in the show, Harold did not become the Earl of Wessex, until his father died in 1053.

King & Conqueror essentially takes the audience through the rise and fall of Godwin family during and after King Edward’s rule. And while this was happening, Duke William in Normandy was building his own empire with the goal to take the formidable throne of England. Harold will journey to Normandy, which set the foundation for Bayeux Tapestry. Harold will swear his support for William to take the throne after the death of King Edward. The accuracy of this stands true, though the actual events are debated.

In King & Conqueror, one of the more appalling moments came when Edward, who was forever controlled by his domineering mother, would break and beat her to death with his crown. In reality, Edward wanted to bring down her political involvement and had her go into forced retirement in the countryside.

And of course, the King Edward’s death as seen in King & Conqueror, did not happen in a bathtub. In reality, he died on January 5, 1066, after being severely ill. Even Harold’s own death is much disputed. In the series, he is killed by an arrow from God. In The Song of the Battle of Hastings, Harold was attacked by Normal knights and killed brutally.

At the end it is clear that King & Conqueror is built on the simple foundation of King Edward’s lack of vision for future of the throne as neither was an heir produced, nor a clear successor nominated. While many parts in the series are fictionalized including some names, the story is a fast-paced recount of one of the most epic battles in history.

King & Conqueror is available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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