The Battles of Stamford Bridge and Hastings Flashcards
Which of these two battles came first: The Battle of Hastings of the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
The Battle of Stamford Bridge.
Which two armies fought at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
The Vikings under Hardrada and the Saxons under Godwinson.
Which of the two armies was vistorious at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
The Saxon army.
Which claimant was defeated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
Harald Hardrada.
Where did the Normans land when they arrived in England?
Pevensey Bay on the South Coast.
What did William and his army do when they arrived in Wessex?
They built a wooden castle for protection and then set about raiding the local area. They also had time to rest and prepare for the battle.
Why were Harold Godwinson’s men less prepared when they arrived at the Battle of Hastings?
The had already fought one battle and had then marched all the way south, from the North so they were very tired.
Godwinson’s army was made up of two types of soldiers the Fyrd and the Housecarls. Which of the two were fully trained soldiers?
The Housecarls
Who were the Fyrd?
Saxon peasants who supported the army in times of need. Most were farmers and they provided their own weapons.
What advantage did Godwinson have at the beginning of the battle?
The Saxon army had the high ground as they were at the top of Senlac Hill.
What did William Duke of Normandy to boost the morale of his soldiers?
He took off his helmet and yelled ‘I am alive and with God’s help we will win this war!’
What did William’s men do to break Godwinson’s shield wall?
They used the feigned retreat tactic.
What was the feigned retreat tactic?
The Norman troops ran to the top of the hill to engage the Saxons but then ran away causing the inexperienced Fyrd to follow them down the hill and break the shield wall.
Who won the Battle of Hastings?
William Duke of Normandy who became William the Conqueror and his Norman army.
What do many historians believe killed Harold Godwinson?
An arrow through the eye.
