norman invasion Flashcards
why did william win the battle of hastings
1) Exhaustion and Reduced Strength of Harold’s Army
Harold’s army had just completed a rapid march from the north, having fought the Viking army at the Battle of Stamford Bridge just days before (25th September 1066). After defeating the Vikings, Harold was forced to march south immediately to meet William of Normandy, who had landed on the south coast of England. By the time Harold reached Senlac Hill near Hastings, his army was exhausted and physically depleted from weeks of campaigning. This exhaustion affected their ability to fight at full strength, especially against the well-rested Normans.
- Death of Harold Godwinson
One of the most critical turning points in the battle was the death of Harold. It is believed that Harold was struck in the eye by an arrow, which was a fatal blow that caused the collapse of Anglo-Saxon morale. His death left his army without strong leadership at a crucial moment in the battle. The death of a king was a devastating blow to the morale of the Anglo-Saxons, as it created confusion and disarray in their ranks. This loss of leadership allowed the Normans to exploit the confusion and break the Saxon defense. - The Feigned Retreat and the Breaking of the Shield Wall
The Normans used the feigned retreat tactic, where a portion of their army pretended to flee from the battlefield. This tricked a number of Anglo-Saxon soldiers into abandoning their position and pursuing the retreating Normans. Once the Anglo-Saxons were scattered and outside their strong defensive position, the Norman cavalry turned around and launched a counterattack, breaking the shield wall and overwhelming the Anglo-Saxon forces. This was a well-executed tactic that exploited the rigid nature of the shield wall and the Anglo-Saxons’ need to maintain formation. - Norman Cavalry Superiority
The Norman cavalry had a major advantage over Harold’s mostly infantry-based army. The Norman knights were able to charge at high speeds and attack the Anglo-Saxons from different angles, especially once the shield wall had been broken. The cavalry’s ability to move quickly, combined with their lance and sword attacks, provided the Normans with the mobility and flexibility that the Anglo-Saxon army lacked. In contrast, Harold’s forces were largely on foot, and while the shield wall was effective against direct assaults, it was vulnerable to cavalry charges once the line was disrupted. - Norman Archery and Long-Range Attacks
The Norman archers played a crucial role in the battle. Their archery softened up the Anglo-Saxon defenses before the main assault began. While the Anglo-Saxon shield wall was effective against close combat, the constant barrage of arrows from the Norman archers created pressure on the Saxons. This also forced the Anglo-Saxons to keep their shields raised, which made them more vulnerable to other attacks, especially when the cavalry moved in. The Norman archers also played a role in luring some of the Anglo-Saxons out of position by targeting specific individuals, including Harold Godwinson himself.
8)Psychological Advantage
Morale: William’s forces were motivated by the desire for victory and land in England. They were fighting for a chance to gain landholdings in a newly conquered kingdom, which kept their morale high. The idea of a religious war, with the Papal blessing, also boosted the Norman soldiers’ confidence and commitment.
two features of the battle of hastings
Use of Feigned Retreat:
The Normans, under William the Conqueror, used the tactic of a feigned retreat during the battle. This involved pretending to flee, causing part of the Anglo-Saxon forces to break their shield wall and chase after the fleeing Normans. Once the Anglo-Saxons were in disarray, the Normans turned and counterattacked, leading to the collapse of the Anglo-Saxon defense.
Importance of Cavalry:
The Normans used cavalry effectively during the battle. Unlike the Anglo-Saxon infantry, which was primarily composed of foot soldiers and relied on the shield wall for defense, the Norman cavalry was highly mobile and could break through the Anglo-Saxon lines. The use of cavalry gave the Normans a strategic advantage, especially in exploiting weaknesses after the feigned retreat tactic.
two features of harolds housecarls
Elite Warriors:
The housecarls were elite, professional soldiers who served directly under King Harold Godwinson. They were highly trained in combat and formed the backbone of Harold’s army. Unlike the fyrd (local militia), housecarls were full-time soldiers and had a reputation for their fighting skills and discipline.
Well-Armoured and Armed:
Housecarls were equipped with sturdy armor, typically chainmail shirts, and carried large, round shields. They fought primarily with axes, especially the two-handed axe, which was a powerful weapon. Their heavy armor and formidable weaponry made them a key part of the Anglo-Saxon defense, especially in battles like Hastings, where they formed the core of Harold’s shield wall.
two features of william knights
Cavalry and Mounted Warfare:
William’s knights were skilled cavalry soldiers, trained to fight on horseback. This gave them a significant advantage over the Anglo-Saxon infantry, particularly during the Battle of Hastings. Their ability to charge at high speed and use weapons like lances and swords allowed them to break through enemy lines and exploit gaps in the Anglo-Saxon shield wall.
Feudal Loyalty and Status:
The knights were part of the feudal system that William established. They were landed nobles who owed military service to William in exchange for land. This feudal relationship meant that the knights were loyal vassals of William and played a crucial role in his success. In return for their service, they were granted lands in England after the conquest, which solidified their power and influence in the new Norman kingdom.
when was the battle of hastings
14 october 1066
Anglo-Saxon tactics
SHIELD WALL:
Effective against archers - arrows caught in the housecarls’ shields
Effective against knights - they couldn’t go up the hill fast enough to cause sufficient damage, allowing the battle axes of the housecarls to then kill the horses
norman tactics
Mix of troops = multiple fighting styles
At first, archers made little impression on the shield wall, but were more effective as it was depleted
When the walls were weakened, the knights would also prove to be more effective
FEIGNED RETREAT
Harold’s leadership
Luck
Harold suffered when Hardrada decided to attack from the north - resulted in his army becoming tired
William was lucky that his fleet wasn’t destroyed in the storms
William was lucky that the fyrd lost control
