norman invasion

• What was the main reason for Harold's fyrd disbanding in September 1066?

  They had to harvest crops
• Who launched the invasion that Harold heard about on 19 September?

  Harald Hardrada and Tostig
• What were the reasons for the Battle of Gate Fulford?

  • Hardrada and Edwin gathered an army.
  • Hardrada and Tostig landed with 10,000 warriors.
  • They chose open battle at Gate Fulford.
• What tactic did Hardrada use against the English troops at Gate Fulford?

  He executed a clever flanking tactic
• What was the outcome for the English troops after the Battle of Gate Fulford?

  Thousands were killed or wounded
• What forced Harold to come north during the invasion?

  To deal with Hardrada and Tostig
• Why did Harold believe the threat from Normandy had passed in 1066?

  The Channel was notorious for stormy seas
• What geographical disadvantage did the English face during the battle?

  They had marshland behind them
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

  Harold was victorious; Hardrada and Tostig died
• What were the key events of the Battle of Hastings?

  1. William's scouts spotted Harold's army.
  2. Harold positioned his army on a ridge.
  3. The battle lasted eight hours.
  4. William's archers attacked first.
  5. English housecarls caused damage to Normans.
  6. William showed he was alive to prevent panic.
  7. A feigned retreat led to English being surrounded.
  8. The shield wall thinned out over time.
  9. Harold and his brothers made a final stand.
  10. The English army fled after Harold's death.
• What was the composition of William's foot soldiers?

  Norman and mercenary soldiers from Europe
• What was a significant disadvantage of Harold's general fyrd troops?

  They were inexperienced and lacked discipline
• How did the feigned retreat contribute to William's victory?

  It lured English troops out of position
• What was one advantage of Harold's position during the Battle of Hastings?

  He fought on home ground
• What was a key disadvantage for William's knights during the battle?

  They had to fight uphill
• What was the significance of the Pope's blessing for William's invasion?

  It motivated William and his troops
• How did the lack of archers affect Harold's army?

  It limited their ranged attack capabilities
• What were the strengths and weaknesses of the two armies in the Battle of Hastings?

  Strengths:

  • Harold: Home ground advantage, experienced housecarls
  • William: Trained in tactics, diverse troop composition

  
  

  Weaknesses:

  • Harold: Inexperienced fyrd, tired troops
  • William: Knights less effective uphill, some mercenaries untrained