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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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