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Reasons for William's victory at Hastings - Coggle Diagram
Reasons for William's victory at Hastings
Harold's mistakes
Rushing into battle - marched 300 km in 2 days straight from success at Stamford Bridge, exhausted and depleted army, waiting would have led to a stronger army particular Edwin and Morcar in the North
Inability to prevent the lack of discipline from the peasant army, often breaking the shield wall and rushing down the hill when feigned retreats
Outdated Saxon fighting, especially when against the Norman Cavalry
Will's preparation
2000 war horses brought over and 10,000 men, very similar numbers however William's compiled of many more professional fighters
Norman troops supported by the Papal banner, led to highly motivated troops as Normans, especially Will, heavily religious (Although more motivating than defending homeland?)
Norman cavalry far superior to the outdated saxon infantry, why breaking the shield wall was so important as superior in 1 on 1
Luck
Winds not changing for 2 months straight
Will ready to go Summer 1066, HG ready on the Isle of Wight, called up the Fyrd for their 2 month service, Will would have to fight on the beaches like dday v hard and would have neutralised his cavalry
Winds finally change in September meaning Harald Hardrada and Will depart at same time
Stamford Bridge 25/9 - depleted and exhausted army, archers left at SB as rushing to meet Normans, avoided by not making the mistake of rushing?
Fighting now at Hastings, Will's chosen place of Battle and not at the disadvantage of attacking a beach
Will's strategy
Feigned retreat, previously used in 1047, allowed for the Shield wall to be broken drawing AS into 1-1 combat in which cavalry was best utilised
AS previously in charge of the battle with the Shield wall?
Will ransacking Wessex, HG rushes in due to him being the earl of?
Scouts watching the AS army, couldn't be caught out by surprise like the AS used at Stamford Bridge
Death Squad for Harold, lack of King meant subsequent defeat for medieval warfare, seen by Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge and even at Hastings when rumour of Will's death