Battle Of Hastings Flashcards
When was the battle?
14th October 1066
Who was the battle between?
Normans (lead by William, Duke of Normandy) and Anglo-Saxons (lead by King Harold Godwinson)
Where was William positioned?
At the back on his horse. Meant he could see and alter tactics and communicate well (used flags).
Where was Harold positioned?
Fighting in frontline. Kept same defensive tactic.
Where were the Normans?
Bottom of Senlac Hill - surrounded by marshland.
Where were the Anglo-Saxons?
Top of Senlac Hill
What were some battle tactics used by the Normans?
1) Army split into: archers, infantry, cavalry
2) Archers used to soften shieldwall, then to shoot over it
3) Feigned retreats
What were some tactics used by the Anglo-Saxons?
1) Shieldwall
2) Defensive - to hold off Normans until reinforcements arrived
3) Originally wanted to surprise Normans (FAIL)
How big were both armies?
6000-7000 men
What was the Norman army made up of?
Skilled archers, infantry and cavalry
What was the Anglo-Saxon army made up of?
Mainly fyrd, some things, few Housecarls (most died at Stamford Bridge)
What did Norman army do before the battle?
Raided and attacked surrounding English towns to provoke an early battle
What did the Anglo-Saxons do before battle?
Marched back 190 miles South
What weapons did the Normans have?
Bows, tear shields, pikes, armour
What weapons did Anglo-Saxons have?
Double handed axes, circle shield, Housecarls had armour, fyrd had farming tools and stolen armour off fallen soldiers
