History - 1066

Question 1

Why did Edward’s death create a problem?

Answer 1

He had no heir, and his successor was contested.

Question 2

Who claimed to be King ?

Answer 2

William of Normandy
Harold Godwinson
Haraald Hardrada (King of Norway) -

Question 3

What was William’s claim to the throne?

Answer 3

Edward had named him successor, and claimed Harold had promised to support him

Question 4

What was Harold’s claim to the throne?

Answer 4

He married Edward the Confessor’s wife.

Question 5

What was Haraald’s claim to the throne, and how long did it date back?

Answer 5

His grandfather Cnut had been king 40 years beforehand.

Question 6

When did Edward the Confessor die?

Answer 6

4th January 1066

Question 7

What are the key events in the build up to the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 7

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

Question 8

What was visible in the night sky in Spring 1066

Answer 8

Hayley’s comet

Question 9

What is the battle when Hadrada lands in York? And who wins?

Answer 9

Battle of Fulford - Hadrada wins

20th September

Question 10

When and where was the Battle of Hastings?

Answer 10

14th October on Senlac Hill

Question 11

Where did William meet Harold’s army?

Answer 11

Village of Battle

Question 12

How did William’s army get there?

Answer 12

Marched up London Road North

Question 13

Describe Harold’s position and formation?

Answer 13

7000 men in a shield wall at top of hill.

Fyrd positioned on sides and rear.
Harold in centre with Housecarls

Question 14

Describe William’s position and numbers?

Answer 14

10000 men at bottom

6500 infantry
2000 cavalry
1500 archers

Question 15

Describe the key events of the battle

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

What were the long-term reasons for William winning?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

Short-term reasons for William winning

Answer 17

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.

Question 18

What were Harold’s troops called?

Answer 18

The Fyrd

Question 19

Where did William assemble his fleet and where in England did William land?

Answer 19

Harfleur, Normandy

Pevensey on south coast

Question 20

When was the battle of Fulford?

Answer 20

20th September 1066

Question 21

When was the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

Answer 21

25th September 1066

Question 22

When did William land in England?

Answer 22

18th September 1066

Question 23

When was the battle of Hastings

Answer 23

14th October 1066