History - 1066 Flashcards
Why did Edward’s death create a problem?
He had no heir, and his successor was contested.
Who claimed to be King ?
William of Normandy
Harold Godwinson
Haraald Hardrada (King of Norway) -
What was William’s claim to the throne?
Edward had named him successor, and claimed Harold had promised to support him
What was Harold’s claim to the throne?
He married Edward the Confessor’s wife.
What was Haraald’s claim to the throne, and how long did it date back?
His grandfather Cnut had been king 40 years beforehand.
When did Edward the Confessor die?
4th January 1066
What are the key events in the build up to the Battle of Hastings?
Jan 4 - Edward dies
Spring 1066 - Harold positions the Fyrd along South Coast
William assembles fleet in Harfleur, Normandy. (wind)
Hadrada lands in York
Battle of Stamford Bridge (Godwinson defeats Hardrada)
William lands at Pevensey
What was visible in the night sky in Spring 1066
Hayley’s comet
What is the battle when Hadrada lands in York? And who wins?
Battle of Fulford - Hadrada wins
20th September
When and where was the Battle of Hastings?
14th October on Senlac Hill
Where did William meet Harold’s army?
Village of Battle
How did William’s army get there?
Marched up London Road North
Describe Harold’s position and formation?
7000 men in a shield wall at top of hill.
Fyrd positioned on sides and rear.
Harold in centre with Housecarls
Describe William’s position and numbers?
10000 men at bottom
6500 infantry
2000 cavalry
1500 archers
Describe the key events of the battle
Harold on hill with shield wall William at bottom
William can’t break shield wall. Left flank runs away and Saxons follow.
William continues to ‘retreat’. Pulls more Saxons down hill.
William orders archers to aim high.
An arrow strikes Harold in the eye… he dies.
What were the long-term reasons for William winning?
William had planned and prepared the invasion.
William had infantry, cavalry and archers - so could be flexible in battle.
He could change tactics and react to Harold.
Following Battle of Stamford Bridge many of Harold’s men went home.
Harold had fewer men and only infantry.
He had to fight a defensive battle
Short-term reasons for William winning
Harold’s men were tired and made poor decisions.
Their exhaustion made them ill-disciplined.
Harold was killed in the battle so the Saxons were leaderless and couldn’t fight another battle.
What were Harold’s troops called?
The Fyrd
Where did William assemble his fleet and where in England did William land?
Harfleur, Normandy
Pevensey on south coast
When was the battle of Fulford?
20th September 1066
When was the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
25th September 1066
When did William land in England?
18th September 1066
When was the battle of Hastings
14th October 1066
