Battle of Hastings

Question 1

What did Harold do as soon as he found out about William’s army in the south?

Answer 1

He rode south, pausing in London to rest his men and gather new ones

Question 2

What did Harold want to do? Did it work?

Answer 2

Take the Normans by surprise, didn’t work as Williams scouts had already seen Williams advancing Army

Question 3

Describe Harold’s army

Answer 3

.First there were well-armed troops and armored housecarls, who were full-time highly experienced soldiers
.Behind wee thegns - part-time soldiers and fyrds, they carried javelins, swords, and axes but there were a few archers

Question 4

Describe William’s army

Answer 4

Organized in 3 divisions, each division had archers cavalry and infantry

Question 5

Describe the start of the battle, who had the upper hand

Answer 5

.Harold was on top of a hill
.Difficult for the Norman Archers to weaken Harold’s army
.William sent cavaly but this was also stopped
.Harold had the upper hand because he was on top of the hill

Question 6

What was Williams good tactic?

Answer 6

.One of Williams divisions fled in panic and the Saxons chased them, but the division turned and easily killed them as they were on horseback

Question 7

What happened as the afternoon wore on?

Answer 7

The shield wall weakened and Harold’s brothers Gyrth and Leofwine were killed

Question 8

What happened in the final push?

Answer 8

William organized his troops and went all out, Harold died and William won