battle of hastings sources

What does the Bayeux Tapestry show us?

• Shows Normans army and weapons (Swords, Cavalry, Armour)

• Shows Harold being struck in the eye by a bow and arrow

• Shows Normans dominating against Saxons

• Captions translate to “Here King Harold is slain”

• Shows Harold’s shield wall broken

What does the Carmen de Haestingae Proelio “Song of Hastings” tell us about the Battle of Hastings?

• “He is laying waste and putting to the torch”, shows us tactics. William was destroying land to provoke Harold to fight

• Shows Saxons lack preparation

• Shows bad luck for Saxons, had to fight two back-to-back battles

• Shows good luck for Normans, choose the right to invade

What does William of Poitiers, The Deeds of William, Duke of Normans show us?

• Shows us evidence of Norman cavalry (Army and Weapons)

• Shows Saxons poor tactics to leave the shield wall

• Shows effectiveness of Norman retreat

• Shows William' changing his battle (shield wall still held, pursing more retreats to “lure” them), therefore also showing William’s leadership

What does the Chronicle of Battle Abbey?

• Shows Normans tactical retreats, “preconcerted scheme”

• Shows Saxons tactics, shield

• Bad tactics were shown from Saxons side as they left the shield wall

• William’s change in battle plan, also showing his leadership