What if William the Conqueror didn't win at Hastings in 1066?

This is a huge what if considering would there have ever been a "British" Empire.

Depends on who would have won, the viking invaders who invade with force, or the Anglo-Saxons.

But I highly recommend you listen to Dan carlin's what ifs of 1066.

http://teachernet.rbe.sk.ca/node/142

England would have remained a insular northern country. The ambition and tech of the Normans and the courage of the Britains were the driving force of the empire. English knights and longbows would come later and England would not have their empire. Harold II would be proclaimed the greatest general in all of Europe having beat the vikings at Stamford bridge, march 400 miles and crush them at Senlac. England would not jump at the chance to conquer France. English as a language would not have entered Europe as it did. It would not have the head stand given by cross Euro trade, thus would not have it's head start. English common law and legal culture would not be the underpin of the world's governance system. It would remain a group of norther Germanic people, much like Norway or Iceland.

Ah 1066 the year of What ifs, though im mostly curious as to what would have happen if the Norwegian vikings won.

First of, welcome to the History coffeehouse Mayor. =P

Second, the longbows weren't invented by the English, they adopted it from the Welsh when the Normans subjugated them, so there's a pretty good chance that there wouldn't be much difference in the timeline. About the knights I have to disagree as well because Knights were, to put it simply, Noble warriors. They wouldn't be as experienced as the French knights, but yes they would exist as well, not come later. Also if the Saxons would continue to conquer the Norman lands at Caen, there's a good chance the French would come for their help, so yes they could simply be contained to just the Brittish Isles.

Are you linking me to wikipedia to tell me my history is wrong?
The Welsh were the masters of the longbow until they were conquered by the English which then adopted it. This happened in the 13th century, much before anything your link mentions.

I think if Harold the II had kicked around the Norwegians AND the Normans like it was child's play he would probably be getting cocky. I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to unite the British Isles or something.

No rivalry between France and England?

Well, William was the French King's vassal, so maybe yes, maybe not, who knows?

Oh, I thought you were being sarcastic. =P

Well you did say true, true which is a double negative thus you said false.

Math won't work here, quemistry says that it's the other way around.

1066 might just be the most decisive year in history. I believe this was the year where the Byzantines lost at Manzikert if I am correct. All I can say is the United States would probably be speaking French right now if William The Conqueror did not succeed.

No, the battle of Manzikert was in 1071. Around the same time the Normans also conquered Sicily.