Battle of Hastings

Question 1

Why was the battle at Hastings?

Answer 1

William landed close to Hastings and attacked Anglo-Saxon villages.
Harold Godwinson’s troops arrived from the North, having had to march many miles south.

Question 2

How did Harold lead his troops at Hastings?

Answer 2

1. Defensive position on the top of Senlac Hill.
2. Encouraged housecarls and fyrd to keep the shield wall holding.
3. Eventually was slain along with his brothers Gyrth and Leofwine.

Question 2

How did William lead his troops at Hastings?

Answer 2

1. Sent archers in first, arrows were stopped by shields.
2. Sent cavalry in, but they too couldn’t break shields
3. Showed his face to prove he was alive after his troops heard a rumour that he’d died.
4. Broke the shield wall with the feigned retreat

Question 3

What troops did the Normans use?

Answer 3

Archers – bows and arrows.
Foot soldiers – swords and shields.
Knights (cavalry) – on horses with lances and swords.

Question 4

What troops did the Anglo-Saxons use?

Answer 4

Housecarls – heavy armour, axes, shields, well-trained and disciplined.
Fyrd – light armour, poor weapons, low morale.

Question 5

Why did William win at Hastings?

Answer 5

It can be summarised using FELT:
Fortune - Winds that stopped William from invading during summer prevented him from running into a larger and more invigorated English army.
Energy - Harold had to rush his soldiers from Stamford Bridge to Hastings in 2 weeks to face the Normans, whilst the Normans raided villages for food and set up a base in Pevensey Castle waiting for Harold to arrive.
Leadership - William kept his army together and boosted his men’s morales by showing his face.
Tactics - The feigned retreat had been practiced by the Normans in other battles, and it worked out in this one.