How important was the Battle of Hastings?

I spent the first 10 years of my life in England, over 40 years ago now, and the only thing I can remember of my education over there is “Battle of Hastings – 1066 – King Harold – Arrow in the eye”. Evidently this was ‘Very” important to my teachers and it must have been drummed into me repeatedly.
So, my questions to those who live or grew up in England is: Do you remember this little tidbit? Was this particular battle stressed more than any of the others when you were in school? If so, what was it that made/makes it so important?