The Battles

the Normans

Harold was waiting for William’s army on the south coast and began to defend himself → Harold had collected a lot of taxes to build a fyrd (army) and ships

June 1066, Harold’s army is waiting for the Normans but they never came. by September they were running out of food and Harold disbanded the fyrd

Harald Hardrada

at this time, Tostig (angry at losing his earldom under his brother) encouraged Harald Hardrada to invade

Harold heard of Hardrada’s army

the battle of Fulford 20/09/1066

the northern earls Edwin and Morcar fought Hardrada but were defeated in the battle of Fulford

Harold had expected the earls to win but Hardrada had 4000 more soldiers

he then captured the city of York and waited for Harold

the battle of Stamford bridge 25/09/1066

Harold gathered the remaining army and marched north to Hardrada and reached York in less than a week. he marched through York and launched a surprise attack

→ Tostig and Hardrada both died and the Norwegians surrendered

the battle of Hastings 14/10/1066

just days after Stamford bridge, William landed on the south coast

William’s army had been delayed by bad weather and the wind coming from the wrong direction for them to sail

28/09/1066 - William landed at Pevensey and quickly built defences. next he encouraged his army to raid the surrounding area (for food and to annoy Harold)

meanwhile Harold rode south to London in four of five days and gathered a new army

• William fired arrows

• Harold threw javelins

• the Normans pounded the English shield wall but it held

• a group of Normans turned and rode down the hill away from the battle

• some English chased them and broke the defensive line

• there was a rumour that William was killed so he showed his face to prove he was not

• William killed all of the English who broke away

• Harold died

• English try to flee

• William wins

why did William win?