The Norman Invasion Flashcards
1
Q
what date was the battle of Hastings
A
14th October 1066
2
Q
after leaving York Harold stopped in London for about … days to gather troops
A
5
3
Q
he then continued south and met William at
A
Senlac hill, near Hastings
4
Q
what happened
A
- after leaving York Harold stopped in London for around 5 days to gather troops
- he then continued south and met William at Senlac hill, near Hastings
5
Q
key events in the battle
A
- the battle began in Harolds favour, but his strong shield wall eventually broke down
- rumour went round that William had been killed so he tipped his helmet up to prove he was alive
- harold and his brothers Gyrth and Leofwine held their position on the top of the hill
- eventually they were killed, but their housecarls fought on to the last
6
Q
why did William win? (his tactics and leadership)
A
- used cavalry to break up shield wall
- feigned retreat
- William delayed his invasion until Harold disbanded the southern fyrd
- had specialised horses shipped over to help him
- normans stole food and destroyed british houses when they arrived
- William quickly adapted an Iron Age fort at Hastings into defensible castle
7
Q
why did William win?( Harolds leadership and bad luck)
A
- harolds army had been out since may
- his men were poorly disciplined, causing shield wall to break up
- diddt have the element of surprise
- harolds men were tired from fighting up north them marching down south
8
Q
positives about the Noman knights
A
- mounted knights could strike downwards
- charge at the enemy on horseback
- well trained on horseback
- saddle held the rider firmly in place meaning they could use their arms freely
9
Q
negatives about the Norman knights
A
- Horses vulnerable to attack
- more difficult to charge effectively up hill
- cavalry and arches were only effective once the shield wall had been weakened
10
Q
positives about Anglo saxon housecarls
A
- shield wall was hard to break
- heavy axes took down horses and caused severe injury
- housecarls were well trained
11
Q
negatives about Anglo Saxon housecarls
A
- a strong shield wall needed discipline and endurance
- once shield all was broken it was no longer effective
