The Battle of Hastings

When was the Battle of Hastings?

14th October 1066

What were William's preparations?

- 7,000 trained soldiers

- trained archers and crossbows

- 3,000 horses

- pre-fabricated Motte and Bailey castles

- papal banner

What were Godwinson's preparations?

- 6,000 soldiers

- trained housecarls

- untrained fyrd

- archers recruited from local area

- no hope

- little supplies

Why were William's soldiers motivated?

- promise of Saxon land

- support of Pope

How did Stamford Bridge impact Godwinson?

- troops tired from fighting

- had to march 180 miles in 4 days

What were the Norman tactics?

- Cavalry- Norman warrior culture to fight on horseback and gave advantage of moving quickly and changing direction swiftly

What were the Saxon tactics?

- fought on foot

- SHIELDWALL- prevented knights charging into garrison

- stationed on Senlac Hill- Normans had to climb up slope and abandon horses

What were the advantages of the Saxon tactics?

1. The shield wall remained strong despite arrows raining down

2. Second Norman row advances fighting shield to shield

3. Horses couldn't climb up hill so fighting was done with javelins and horses(English battle-axes were effective)

What was the 'feigned retreat'?

rumour spread that William had died so the Normans retreated downhill followed by the A/S(breaking the shield wall) but were met by the cavalry and Norman leaders

What were the consequences?

- William won

- A/S leaders killed inc. Godwinson

- William became king

When was William's coronation?

25th December 1066