Reasons For Wiliam Reading The Battle Of Hatings

Question 1

Rest

Answer 1

Harolds army was tiered and weary were as Williams army was well rested

Question 2

Patience

Answer 2

Harolds army consisted of 7500 people which was the same as Williams but if he had waited he could have had more troops as some of them were still marching on south.

Question 3

Tactics

Answer 3

William also had good tactics. At first Harold’s defensive shield wall meant that William’s cavalry could not break through. But when the Normans pretended to retreat, the Saxons ran after them, breaking their own shield wall. This meant that when the Normans turned back, the Saxons were not very well defended. William also ordered his archers to fire high in the air. This meant that their arrows landed on Harold’s fyrd-men who were not protected by armour. These tactics allowed William’s men to break through the shield wall and shoot Harold in the eye, winning the battle.

Question 4

Bad luck

Answer 4

Harold’s bad luck also helped William win. Harold was fighting Hardrada in the north of England when William invaded in the south. Harold had guarded the south coast all summer, waiting for William. It was bad luck that he had to go and fight Hardrada just when the wind changed and allowed William’s fleet to cross from Normandy. Because the wind changed at just the right moment, William and his men had time to rest and get organised. This bad luck was the main reason Harold’s army was so tired and injured and no match for William’s.