Battle of Hastings - Reasons for Victory Flashcards

1
Q

Harold’s mistakes

A
  • 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
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2
Q

William’s preparation

A
  • 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
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3
Q

William’s tactics and leadership

A
  • 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
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4
Q

William’s military experience

A
  • 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
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5
Q

Support from the Pope

A
  • 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
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6
Q

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

A
  • 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
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7
Q

Luck

A
  • 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
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8
Q

Hardrada’s invasion

A
  • 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
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