Battle of Hastings Flashcards
When was the Battle of Hastings?
The Battle of Hastings started on 14 November 1066
Where was it fought?
It was fought in Battle near Hastings, East Sussex, England
Which 3 people were fighting for the throne in 1066?
The three main rivals for the throne were:
Harold Godwinson
Harald Hardrada
William of Normandy
Who became the King when Edward the confessor died?
When Edward the Confessor died, Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex, was immediately crowned king and became Harold II.
Who won the Battle of Stamford bridge?
Harald Hardrada was king of Norway. He invaded Yorkshire with a fleet of ships, but was defeated and killed by Harold’s army at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
What happened to Harold on 14 October 1066?
On 14 October 1066, Harold II fought William’s army at the Battle of Hastings and lost. Harold was killed, perhaps with an arrow in his eye - although some Historians disagree.
Can you think of 3 reasons why William won the Battle of Hastings?
Harold Godwinson’s army was tired and they did not have time to prepare properly for the battle. The English army had already fought the Battle of Stamford Bridge that day and had to march quickly down to the battlefield outside Hastings.
The Feigned Retreat
He had Cavalry (horses).
Was William army stronger? Give an opinion.
William’s army was stronger. He had better trained soldiers and had the use of a strong cavalry (men on horseback) and archers whereas Harold did not.
Who was the leader of the Normans?
William, Duke of Normandy.William was born in 1027. He became duke of Normandy when he was only seven years old.
Why did William the Conqueror invade England?
William laid claim to the English throne after Edward died. He was a distant cousin of Edward and said that Edward had promised him the throne when visiting France in 1051. He even said his claim had been accepted by Harold Godwinson in 1064, when Harold had been blown onto the Norman shore by a storm. William invaded England to become King and claim the throne from Harold.
When did William the Conqueror invade England?
The Norman Invasion started when William, Duke of Normandy’s 7,000 soldiers landed at Pevensey on the morning of the 28th September 1066.
who was Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex
Harold was born in the early 1020s, the son of Godwine, Earl of Wessex. He succeeded to his father’s titles in 1053, becoming the second most powerful man in England after the monarch. He was also a focus for opposition to the growing Norman influence in England encouraged by the king, Edward (known as ‘the Confessor’ for his piety).
who was William, Duke of Normandy
Born around the year 1028, the illegitimate son of Duke Robert the Magnificent of Normandy and Herleve, the daughter of a Falaise tanner.
Known as William the Bastard and William the Conquerer by his enemies, Duke William of Normandy had inherited power on his father’s death.
He was just nine years of age at the time and, due to his youthful vulnerability, had to face many challenges to his rule.
The Duchy of Normandy had passed through decades of instability but with the aid of trusted elders and advisers, William survived.
who was Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, Viking warrior
Hardrada based his claim on the fact that his ancestor, King Cnut, had once ruled England (1016‒1035). He was helped by Godwinson’s half-brother, Tostig.
who was the crowned king in December on Christmas in 1066
William was crown king on Christmas 1066
