battle of hasting- revision.
Causes
3 men wanted the throne which led to a war
Harold Godwinson
Edward the confessor died without an heir
most important English noble.
support of English army
very weak claim death bed whisper
William duke of Normandy
Leader of the Norman army
promised the throne in 1052 by Edward
blood relative of Edward
Harold Hardrada
king of norway
descendent of king Cnut previous english king
defeated and killed by Harold Godwinson at the battle of Stanford bridge
The battle
they met near Hastings at caldera hill with about 8000 soldiers each
The English were weakened but the Normans were fresh and eager to fight
14 October 1066 between Harold Goodwin and William duke of Normandy.
the English formed a long shield wall at the top of the hill
the Norman archers began firing but this had little effect. Then the infantry and finally cavalry advanced.but no one could break the shield wall. the Normans retreated.
A second attack is launched. A rumour (or tactic) is spread that William has been killed. As a result the Norman troops retreat.
the tactic of retreating and regrouping is then used many more times by William.
the Normans regroup and easily defeat the English not in the safety of the shield wall
The ill-disciplined English fyrd run after the Normans breaking the shield war.
with a severely weekend shield wall William began to slaughter the English.
in the late afternoon the Normans final reached king Harold and he was hacked to death
why did William win
Williams army
Harold's army and mistakes
Williams luck
Williams skill and preparation
Wind- William could not leave when he wanted to. when the wind changed and he finally arrived Harrolds army is up north
Therefore the south coast was undefended when he arrived his men pillaged which led to high morale
Battle of Stanford bridge.-. Harold's army were exhausted from marching also many had been killed or wounded.
Strong and well disciplined
well trained and structured
High morale popes support god on their side
weak and ill disciplined (chased after Normans) untrained farmers but very brave
Ignored his brothers advice to build up his army's strength
By the time the fighting started Harold's army was severely weakened Many had been killed and wounded the rest were exhausted
gained the popes support
Gained the support of his nobles by promising them land in England
determined and ambitious. Believed he deserved the throne
He prepared thoroughly- spring and summer
Fake retreats- The Normans tricked the English into braking the shield wall leading to them winning
consequences
after the battle
William crushed rebellions
william crowned king
Harold killed
known as William conqueror
defeated all rebellions
The feudal system
doomsday book
he built castles
easy to build wooden motte and bailey castles
Later replaced by stone castles
Defensive structure very strong
King nobles knights peasants
every one answered to king
complete power over every one
brutally crushed all rebellians
This sent a clear message to everyone
Harrying of the north
Survey of whole country
paying taxes