Battle of Hastings - Reasons for Victory

Question 1

Harold’s mistakes

Answer 1

• Upon hearing of Williams invasion, quickly marched south to limit William from establishing a power base, meant that his men were exhausted by the time they got to Hastings
• Was lured by William’s purposeful destruction in Wessex (connection due to family, where he used to be an Earl) moved his men quickly rather than waiting
• Disbanded the entire fyrd for the harvest
• Failed to see how his army had been depleted by previous battles and was caught up in his past success
• He failed to wait for the forces of Edwin and Morcar to rejoin following the Battle of Fulford
• Florence of Worcester in the 11th century suggested that Harold had moved from London before half of his army had arrived
• Some primary sources suggest that Harold made the mistake of crowding his army together at the top of Senlac Hill, limiting their fighting abilities
• Harold failed to keep his troops in position following William’s feigned retreat

Question 2

William’s preparation

Answer 2

• Built 700 ships to carry his forces across the sea
• Prepared an army of 7000 (including 3000 knights) which was very fit and well equipped
• Archers had far superior training to Harold’s
• Norman soldiers had time to prepare well prior to battle
• Easily-assembled motte and bailey castles were transported to be built in England

Question 3

William’s tactics and leadership

Answer 3

• Normans moved to the mouth of the River Somme so the crossing would be shorter
• Use of feigned retreat to lure English soldiers off Senlac Hill
• Continuously led his men up the hill to take on the English troops
• William destroyed and asserted authority upon landing in the South of England to lure Harold into battle quickly
• When a rumour began that William was dead, he took off his helmet and rode amongst his men

Question 4

William’s military experience

Answer 4

• First experience in 1047, was very experienced by the Battle of Hastings - fought King of France and defeated numerous rebellions in Normandy, helped him develop tactics such as feigned retreat and the use of calvary in battle
• His experiences in Normandy had made him a great leader, both politically and a military sense
• Previous victories had developed his reputation and respect held for him

Question 5

Support from the Pope

Answer 5

• Some of the men were motivated to do well due to religion
• Number of men joined the army as they believed it was God’s will
• Many soldiers believed that what they were doing was right due to the Pope’s support

Question 6

Make-up of the army (can be linked with tactics)

Answer 6

• William had cavalry available, unlike the Anglo-Saxons
• William’s army was even to Harold’s in number, but this included a mixture of infantry, archers and cavalry

Question 7

Luck

Answer 7

• A number of Harold’s strongest fighters (housecarls) had already died
• The wind changed direction whilst Harold was preoccupied in the North, so the Norman army were able to sail across at the optimal time
• Hardrada’s invasion took place prior to his own

Question 8

Hardrada’s invasion

Answer 8

• Many of Harold’s men, including many of his strongest, were killed by Hardrada’s men
• Harold was preoccupied with Hardrada’s invasion whilst William was beginning his invasion and setting up his forces in the south of England
• Harold’s army were exhausted from the battle and making the journey to Hastings
• Battle of Fulford cost 1000 English men