1066 - Hastings

Start

How it all Began It all began with the death of Edward the confessor, on 5 January 1066. Edward had made quite a few promises to different people about becoming king after he died. Though he didn’t know that was going to create one of the biggest battles in English history.

The contenders to the throne were; Harold Godwinson, Harald Hadrada and William of Normandy.

How it all Began In the meantime whilst England did not have a king. Harold was put in to fill the gap between the time the new king was made. In fact he lasted from 5 January — 14 October 1066.

Harold Godwinson Claim to the Throne

Harald Hadrada Claim to the Throne

William of Normandy Claim to the Throne

The Saxon Army Harold had two types of soldiers in his army:

1. Housecarls

During the Battle of Hastings, one Housecarl managed to cut his way through the neck of a horse to kill its rider with just soldiers one blow!who These were full time professional

were well trained & paid. They were the most NEXT feared warriors in the world.

The Saxon Army Harold had two types of soldiers in his army:

2. Fyrd

These were part time, unpaid soldiers who were called up when the country was in danger.

The Norman Army

These are highly trained, full time professional soldiers! Spearmen

Horsemen / Calvary

Archers

The Battlefield Harold Army forms a shield Wall

Unsuitable for horsemen

Harold’s William’s Housecarls Archers

Fyrd: William’s Part Time& Spearmen Soldiers Foot soldiers

William’s Horsemen

The Start of the Battle ‘The blowing of trumpets announced the start of the battle on both sides. Eager and brave Normans were the first to attack. The English threw javelins and missiles of all sorts, dealing out savage blows with their axes.’ William of Poitiers

The Start of the Battle

Bayeux Tapestry, The Normans attack the Saxon Shield Wall

Early Stages of the Battle ‘The English were helped by the advantage of their high position which, massed tightly together they held without Aha, I’m attempting to advance. going to try The weapons which they fought with easily cutme some French through shields and other frogs legs! protective armour.’ William of Poitiers

The Normans start running away

‘The Normans imaged their Duke was dead, but he rushed after them and showed his bared head. “Look at me!” he shouted, “I’m still alive.”

A Cunning Plan! When the Normans retreated a thousand Saxon Warriors left the protection of the What was William’s Shield Wall to chase Cunning Plan? after the Normans. Hey Lads, They were easily I have a Killed by the Norman plan! Horsemen!

Duke William

Second Stage: Cunning Plan!

Oh – Oh!

They then turn around and splatter the Normans pretend to run away Saxons who are chasing after them!

Second Stage: Cunning Plan! ‘They withdrew, pretending to turn in flight. Some thousand or more of the English rushed forward; suddenly the Normans turned their horses, cut off the force which was pursuing (chasing) them, encircled them and massacred (killed) them to the last man. Twice the Normans used this trick with equal success.’ William of Poitiers

Third Stage: The Archers

The Shield Wall was weakened but still strong, so William orders his Archers to aim high to distract the Saxons whilst he led another charge.

Fourth Stage:The Shield Wall Collapses

Harold’s brothers are killed.

Final Stage: Death of Harold William of

Guy of Amein, 1067 Mamesbury, 1125

“Then it was with an “Receiving the fatal arrow arrow which was shot from a distance, he died. towards the sky, One of the Norman struck Harold above soldiers withsends a swordin then William a hit squad of the right eye.” cut off his leg asto hekill lay.”King Harold

Normans

Aftermath

Once King Harold and his brothers are dead the rest of the Saxon army runaway, apart from the housecarls who made a circle round Harold's body until the were all dead.

The Battlefield Today

King Harold was killed here

The Result

Finally on the 25th December 1066 William of Normandy was crowned king of England. But that wasn’t the end of William’s Battles.

Though the people weren’t that happy.