The Conquest - The Battle of Hastings
History: KS3, topic 1.13.8
Battle of Hastings
The Battle of Hastings was the final victory in William's invasion. His invasion of England landed in the UK on the 28th September and the Battle of Hastings happened on the 14th October 1066.
Harold's army moved north - September 1066
- Harold II's army had marched north to support the Earls of Mercia and Northumbria against Harald Hardrada.
- On the 25th of September 1066, Harold Godwinson defeated Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge.
- Harold II had marched his army north, believing that William of Normandy would not invade in 1066. The wind conditions made sailing across the English Channel difficult and most armies do not attack during winter, because of the difficulties of fighting and creating temporary camps during winter.
William of Normandy sets sail
- Despite the bad wind conditions, William of Normandy set sail in September, whilst Harold's army was near York.
- The Norman fleet landed in Sussex, at a place called Pevensey. His soldiers set foot on English soil on the 28th September 1066.
- Harold's army did not begin to march from York to the south of England until the 2nd of October 1066.
- Harold's army was very tired. They had marched from the South to York and back in the space of 2 weeks. Some soldiers had also been injured in the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
The march to meet William
- Harold II's army marched down from York and on the 14th October 1066, Harold's army met William of Normandy's army near Hastings, another town in Sussex.
Overview of the battle
- Harold tried to defeat William of Normandy using a surprise attack. However, William's army saw the English troops.
- Usually, armies try to secure 'the high ground' either at the top of a hill or on top of a mountain. Harold II's army managed to 'gain the upper hand' and position itself at the top of the hill.
- After 9 hours of fighting, the English shield wall, which was supposed to be protecting English troops from the Norman archers was beginning to fail, as men got more tired. Harold II was killed. Popular myth says that he was killed by an arrow through his eye, but most historians dispute this.
- The death of Harold effectively meant William had won the English throne.
Test yourself on The Conquest - The Battle of Hastings
Where was Harold's army at the start of a battle?
The Battle of Hastings was the final victory in whose invasion?