The Battle of Hastings Flashcards
Around what time did the battle start? (1 mark)
9.30am
Where were the Saxons positioned? (1 mark)
Senlac Hill
What does ‘Senlac’ mean? (1 mark)
Blood Lake
Which of Harold’s brothers were at the battle? (2 marks)
Gyrth and Leofwine
How many stages were there in the battle? (2 marks)
4
How many soldiers in each army? (2 marks)
5,000-7,000
Where had William landed in the south of England? (1 mark)
Pevensey
What was Harold’s ‘difficult’ decision after Stamford Bridge? (2 marks)
-To go straight to William in the south and attack or
-To wait in London for reinforcements, especially the 5,000 from the border of Wales.
What did Gyrth offer to do for Harold while they were waiting in London? (2 marks)
He offered to battle William instead of Harold, so that the King could have longer to build up forces and to protect the leader of the country.
How did the Saxons line up at the battle? (3 marks)
- In a Shield Wall
- With the Housecarls in the front
- With the Fyrd behind and at the sides
How did the Norman army line up at the start of the battle? (4 marks)
- The Normans were in the centre
- The Bretons on the left
- The French and Flemish on the right
What type of soldiers made up the Norman army? (3 marks)
- Archers
- Infantry
- Cavalry.
What type of soldiers made up the Saxon army? (2 marks)
Housecarls and Fyrd
Who were the Fyrd? (2 marks)
Saxon soldiers who were usually farmers and only provided 30 days service a year for their Lord.
Who were the Housecarls? (2 marks)
Professional soldiers who were feared across Europe and had the axe as their favourite weapon.