Preparation Flashcards
Prior to the battle of Stamford Bridge, how far had the Saxons marched?
190 miles in 4 days
What did the 190 miles march mean for the Saxon army at Hastings?
They were ill equipped
Why were the Saxons unequipped at Hastings?
Housecarls killed or injured at Stamford Bridge
275 mile journey to Hastings meant that Harold had no archers or cavalry
What made up the Saxon army?
Swordsmen, spearmen and fyrd
Why did Harold have to rely on defensive tactics?
His army was not properly trained or experienced
How many troops did the Saxons have?
7000
How many troops did William have?
8000
Why were the Normans very prepared?
They had had 2 weeks to rest and prepare
What was reconnaissance?
William gathering information on the Saxons due to his early arrival in Hastings
Where had William searches widely for men?
Crossbow men from Gascony
Mercenaries from as far a Sicily
Why did William’s army have a variety of fighting methods?
They came from all over Europe
Knights, cavalry, infantry, archers, crossbow men
Why were Norman knights well trained?
Bred for war and trained from the age of 3 in small units
Why could the Normans perform offensive tactics?
Their preparedness and skilled army
