The Battle of Hastings

• Why was William more prepared?

  • Had better-trained soldiers, such as Mercenaries and Knights
  • Had better weapons, such as bows, large shields and pikes
  • Had experience from conquering areas of Normandy
  • Had the Pope's support (Papal Banner)
• Why was Harold more prepared?

  • Had better positioning (Top of Senlac Hill)
  • Successfully fought against Welsh and Vikings
  • Had support from the Witan
• What was Harold's formation?

  • A shield wall at the top of the hill
• What was William's formation?

  • 3 Lines of archers, behind a line of Infantry and Cavalry
• What was William's first move?

  • Carried the Papal Banner, and ordered the Archers to fire at the shield wall
  • However the Shield Wall didn't break
• What did William then do after failing to break the Shield Wall with Archers?


  Ordered the Infantry to advance at them, but the hill was too steep
• What rumour begun to spread?

  • That William died
  • William rose from the crowd and took of his helmet, saying, "Look at me, I live with God's help, I will conquer yet"
• What other tactic did William use?

  Feigned Retreat - Faked running away to break the Shield Wall
• How did the Battle end?

  • Harold's Shield Wall weakened - and so with one final assault from the Normans, Harold was killed along with his Fyrd
• What did William do after his battle?

  Marched to London to claim the throne
• When was William crowned?

  Christmas Day 1066