1. Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?7 1
Starter: Try to identify every part of this soldier!
Challenge: Which army did this soldier fight for at Hastings? 2 6 3 5
1 – Conical helmet
2- Mail coif
3 – Kite shaped shield
4 – Scabbard
5- Gambeson
6- Chainmail
7 – Spear/lance 4

2. Learning Tasks
‘It was William’s tactics that achieved a Norman victory at Hastings in 1066’ How far do you agree?
You may use the following:
Shield wall
Timing

3. ‘It was William’s tactics that achieved a Norman victory at Hastings in 1066’ How far do you agree?
Evidence that tactics helped him win:
However it couldn’t have just been factors because…
Other factors that helped him win…
Conclusion

4. Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?
William’s tactics before the battle
William had waited throughout the summer of 1066 to set sail as he knew Harold would have to disband the fyrd. This would have helped him win, as he when he landed the south coast was empty so it gave him time to prepare for battle.
When they arrived at Pevensey, he ordered his troops to march up the coast and scout for old Iron Age forts that could be turned into castles. This gave his troops the security from attack, which would strengthen them and help him win.
Once he landed, William ordered his men to cause great destructions in Wessex. They attacked villagers, raped women, and burned down farms. This helped win because it provoked Harold to march straight to him, which would further exhaust his army.
William’s tactics on the battlefield
William’s army was far superior – he knights could caused devastating damage and had the height advantage. His soldiers were heavily armoured – their shield was kite shaped which protected the legs, and they all had heavy chainmail. This helped William win as it meant they had the advantage when it came down to hand to hand combat. They were much harder to kill.
William lifted up his helmet and showed his face when some of his men were retreating. This helped him win as it motivated his men to keep fighting – if they hadn’t then William would have lost vital numbers.
He ordered his men to use the feigned retreat where they would pretend to run away to encourage Saxons to pursue them. This would have helped him win as it weakened the shield wall. It opened the battle up to hand-to-hand combat which gave William the advantage and allowed his men to do serious damage.
Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?
Luck
It was by luck that Hardrada’s invasion happened when it did. The defeat at Gate Fulford and Harold’s rapid march north weakened his men which gave William the clear advantage.
William could have been killed during the journey to England – the storms were really bad and dangerous. This helped win as luck helped reach England alive and in one piece ready to fight.
It was lucky that many of the fyrd broke ranks and pursued the Normans. If this didn’t happen, William could not have broken the shield wall.
Harold’s Poor Leadership
Rather than wait in London and force William to march to him, Harold marched straight to Hastings to confront him. This helped William win as it exhausted Harold’s men which would have made them slower on the battlefield and easier to cut down.
Harold’s right flank broke ranks and pursued the Normans, which showed weak discipline. This helped William win as it helped break the shield wall and ultimately led to the death of King Harold himself.