The Battle of Hastings SS 8 Chapter 2 Pages 38-42
The Battle of Hastings Decisive victory in the Norman conquest of England Normans came from modern day France Took place on October 14th, 1066 The battle took place on Senlac Hill, north of Hastings, England
Who? Duke William of Normandy vs. King Harold II King Harold had about 5000 weary soldiers and William had about 15000 infantry, archers and cavalry
How William and Harold know each other Harold was shipwrecked and William befriended him Harold distinguished himself in battle and became William’s Vassal Vassal: one who swears loyalty to a lord William and Harold then fight over the throne of England BUT no Vassal would EVER claim something his lord claims – Harold broke his Feudal Contract
Harold makes his oath to William
Why did it happen? Harold had claimed the throne of England for himself in January 1066 soon after Edward the Confessor died Some sources say that while Edward had promised the throne to his cousin William, on his deathbed he decided to bestow it to Harold instead On September 28, 1066, William of Normandy, after being delayed by a storm in the English Channel, asserted his claim to the English crown by military force
Harold is crowned King
The Battle Harold had no choice but to fight a defensive battle Harold relied on the English Shield Wall tactic
Shield Wall Tactic
The Turning Point in the Battle The Norman’s were having trouble breaking the shield-wall William ordered his knights to pretend to retreat. When they did Harold’s army broke ranks to chase the enemy. They were slaughtered and the shield wall was broken
Who Won? Harold was killed during the battle; traditionally, it is believed he was shot through the eye with an arrow Although there was further English resistance for some time to come, this battle is seen as the point at which William gained control of England.
Bayeux Tapestry The famous Bayeux Tapestry depicts William’s victory at the Battle of Hastings