The Battle of Hastings

List 3 people that wanted to claim the throne.

Harald Hardrada, King of Norway

William the bastard

Harold Godwinson

What was Harold’s argument to claim the throne?

He can bring stability

Edward named him as his heir on his deathbed.

What is the Bayeux tapestry and what does it depict?

a 70 meter long work of embroidery, woven in England.

Depicting key events of 1066

Edward touching Harolds hand, maybe appointing him as his successor.

What were William’s arguments to claim the throne?

He claimed Edward promised him the throne after his death. Moreover he says that Harold repeated this claim.

Who was the 4th successor?

Edgar the AEtheling, his 14 year old nephew.

What is the Carmen and what is its importance for our story?

it’s the earliest account of what happened in Hastings and what led up to it.

Discuss both armies positions and circumstances.

Harold seized and held the high ground.

Dense formation (shield to shield)

better position

no cavalry

William’s army was located in the machlands at the bottom of the valley.

3lines: archers, infantry, cavalry

singing song of Roland.

What’s the purpose of the Bayeux tapestry?

It was commissioned to celebrate Williams conquest.

Why does the Norman army land in Pevensey?

There was a Roman castle + marchland surrounding it

They couldn’t use a port to land, the bay was perfect because they could use the long beach to run up all their ships.

Who made the Bayeux tapestry

It was made in England.

Pevensey is a great place to land, but a terrible place to stay. explain

Pevensey bay was a great place to unload their ships.

It was surrounded by marchland. It initially provides safety, but its very difficult for an army to march trough.

The Normans chose Hastings to build their headquarters. Why?

because of the fantastic infrastructure of Roman roads.

Hastings was located on a ridge of high ground and protected on both sides by marchlands.

What did the Normans do for 2weeks?

a two week reign of terror:

feeding their troops

devastating the area

by doing this inciting Harold into battle.