Battle of Hastings Flashcards
When was the Battle of Hastings?
14 October 1066
Where did Harold position his army?
On top of Caldbec Hill
Why was it important for Harold to gain the high ground?
Made cavalry charges, an important feature of Norman armies, harder
Give 3 features of the Norman Knights
Fought on horseback
Kite shaped shield to protect body and legs
Elite skills cultivated by years of training
Give 2 advantages of Norman Knights
Powerful when charging
Height advantage over infantry
Give 2 disadvantages of Norman Knights
Horses vulnerable
Advantage lost when charging uphill
Give 3 features of Saxon housecarls
Round shield to form shield wall
Chain mail armour
Heavy axes
Saxon’s elite foot soldiers
Give 2 advantages of Saxon housecarls
Disciplined shield wall was hard to break down
Powerful axe blows could decapitate a horse
Give a disadvantage of Saxon Housecarls
Once the shield wall was broken, they were vulnerable
As well as knights, what other soldiers fought?
Foot soldiers- mixture of Norman and European soldiers who joined due to the Pope’s blessing
As well as housecarls, what other soldiers fought?
Fyrdsmen- untrained, poorly equipped peasant soldiers
Give 3 reasons for why William won the Battle of Hastings
Tactics- feigned retreat broke shield wall
Cavalry exploited gaps in shield wall
Strong leadership- kept invasion force together
Caused destruction on South coast to tempt Harold
Luck- timing of Harald’s invasion
Feigned retreat?
