James uses Norman wisdom to win latest game of conquers

Lynn Rusk previews King & Conqueror

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James Norton, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Eddie Marsan discuss power and rivalry in their historical drama series King & Conqueror.

In 1066, the Norman invasion and the Battle of Hastings reshaped the course of British history. Edward the Confessor's death sparked a succession crisis, with three contenders for the throne: Harold Godwinson, William of Normandy, and Harald Hardrada.

The decisive battle at Hastings ended with William the Conqueror's triumph over Harold, crowning him the first Norman king of England.

Although this pivotal chapter is a staple of school history lessons, it has received surprisingly few onscreen portrayals.

King & Conqueror, an eight-part historical drama starring James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy, aims to change that.

Norton, 40, who has also co-produced the series says: "1,000 years later so much of our language, our legal system, our philosophy, our art, it's all underpinned by this massive moment in history.

"So it's kind of astounding that no one's told this story before and I think that we certainly felt that throughout the telling of it.