Norman Revision 2 - Stamford Bridge, Gate Fulford, and Hastings Flashcards
Three pieces of factual information about the Battle of Gate Fulford.
Hadrada’s fleet had around 200 longships, carrying around 10,000 Vikings
It was in September 1066
It was between Harald Hardrada and Edwin & Morcar
Why did Edwin and Morcar lose the Battle of Gate Fulford? (3 reasons)
1 - they were outnumbered: about 6,000 to about 9,000
2 - Hardrada’s housecarls were battle hardened veterans who had fought in many battles
3 - E & M had positioned themselves with marshland behind them: they couldn’t be surrounded but couldn’t retreat so weretrapped
Three pieces of factual information about the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
1 - Harold marched his army 185 miles north in 5 days
2 - Hardrada and Tostig were both killed
3 - only 24 of Hardrada’s 200 longships returned home
Why did Harold Godwinson win the Battle of Stamford Bridge? (3 reasons)
1 - he had the element of surprise because they thought he was still in Wessex, so he attacked before they had time to react
2 - the Vikings were not prepared for battle: they had left their armour on their ships because it was a hot day, and were still recovering from the Battle of Gate Fulford
3 - Harold’s well trained housecarls broke through the Viking shield wall, causing many Vikings to flee
Explain why the Battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge were significant (12). (So 3 points)
1 - Harold had successfully defended England from invaders
2 - Edwin and Morcar’s armies were destroyed
3 - Harold was in the north when William invaded
Why were the Battles of Stamford Bridge and Gate Fulford significant, Harold successfully defending England evidence.
- 185 mile march from Wessex to York resulted in the defeat of Harald Hardrada and Tostig
- this showed that Harold was a brilliant military leader who was able to gather an army very quickly and was a decisive leader
- Harold killed two significant threats to his kingdom. With Tostig and Hardrada dead the threat from Scandinavia was significantly reduced
Importance of the Battle of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge, Edwin and Morcar’s armies destroyed evidence.
- with the Northumbrian and Mercian armies destroyed there were fewer trained soldiers to defend England
- thousands of soldiers were killed
- Edwin and Morcar were unwilling to march south to fight again. It is likely that they did not come to Harold’s aid.
Importance of the Battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge, Harold was in the north when William invaded evidence
- Harold’s men were exhausted after their 5 day march and long battle; the march south exhausted them further. They would have needed rest by the time they arrived in Hastings
- Harold did not wait in London to gather reinforcements as William was pillaging Wessex in an effort to to enrage Harold and make him rush
- Harold was over confident from his victory against the Vikings, making him rush
Superior Norman tactics were the main reason for the victory of William at the Battle of Hastings. How far do you agree? (16) 4 points
1 - the Normans had superior tactics
2 - the Normans had superior soldiers
3 - the Normans were lead by William, who was an excellent leader
4 - Harold Godwinson made tactical errors
Normans had superior tactics evidence
- army divided into three divisions: archers, infantry, cavalry. This gave the Normans the height and speed advantage
- ‘feigned retreat’ - Normans pretended to run away so that Anglo-Saxons would break the shield wall to follow them. This made them vulnerable to attack
- William used a more flexible fighting style than the Anglo - Saxon strategy, which relied on the defensive strength of the shield wall
Normans had superior soldiers evidence
- while he had housecarls holding the shield wall, Harold’s army was not a professional fighting force
- William’s army was an elite fighting force with significant experience in Europe + were full time, paid, professional soldiers
- Norman army had archers with long bows: able to weaken the shield wall
Normans led by William, who was an excellent leader evidence
- he ensured he was positioned among his soldiers: able to communicate with his men, issue commands, and give speeches
- he ensured he had the support of Pope Alexander: made his soldiers believe that they were fighting a ‘Holy Crusade’, which made them more confident as they believed God was on their side
- he prepared well for the battle: had a large army, over 2,000 horses and his army was well rested by the time the battle began
Harold Godwinson made tactical errors evidence
- his men were exhausted after marching for 5 days straight and fighting a long and hard battle against the Vikings
- by the time he arrived, his army would have been tired and in need of rest
- Harold didn’t wait in London to gather more soldiers
