Norman Conquest - Battle Of Hastings Flashcards
What problem did the Battle of Stamford Bridge create for Harold Godwinson’s army?
• tired after 2 battles
• lost around 1/3 of his army
• travelling 200 miles South (walking) - William had built a castle
What advantage does a hill give Harold?
• height advantage
• easier for archers
Why would a Saxon shield wall be difficult to break?
Packed tightly, unable to fall
Why did William take so long to cross the English Channel and invade?
• had to wait for winds to change - strong Northerly winds, had to wait for weeks
William has archers and cavalry, what advantages would they bring?
• 2000 cavalry - Godwinson hadn’t seen before
• mobility
• height advantage
Why is the support of the Pope very important to William’s claims and this battle?
• has the papal banner - therefore the blessing of God
Key events of the Battle of Hastings
• English army form a shield wall on Senlac Hill. Norman soldiers rode out, but are force back
• Some Norman soldiers began to flee because they thought William had been killed. William took off his helmet to prove he was still alive, and leads the second attack.
• Norman cavalry feigns a retreat, some English leave shield wall to attack
• Norman cavalry turn around and force an attack on the English
• Harold Godwinson dies, and William defeats English
The March South
• after victory at Stamford Bridge, Godwinson, marched 2 hundred miles south of face William
What will Williams three lines of defence?
Archers, infantry and cavalry
How many cavalry did William have?
2000
What advantage did Harold Godwinson have?
• had the advantage of a hill which made it easier for the archers
