1. What happened at the Battle of Hastings?
Starter: Why was William invading England? Think of as many reasons as possible.
Challenge: Use the word usurper in your answer!

5. Anglo - Saxons
7000 – 9000 soldiers
Mixture of thegns, housecarls and fyrd.
Thegns had good weapons
Fyrd fought with farming tools.
Very few archers (perhaps none)
Normans
800 knights
7000 – 9000 soldiers
Mixture of Normans and soldiers-fir-hire from Europe.
Archers and crossbowmen
Some with gambesons (padded jackets), others with chainmail.

8. During the chaos of charging the wall, some Norman soldiers on the left flank begin to retreat. Legends say they heard a rumour William had been killed.

9. Many of the Anglo-Saxons break ranks and pursue the fleeing Normans.

10. As King Harold is fighting on foot, he cannot get over to the flank to stop his men charging. He watches as his shield wall breaks on the left.

12. The Anglo-Saxons pursue the Normans down the hill into a marshy area
The Anglo-Saxons pursue the Normans down the hill into a marshy area. William then seizes the opportunity and orders his knights to charge in and cut them down.

13. With these men dead – both armies pause and regroup
With these men dead – both armies pause and regroup. William decides to use this tactic (feigned-retreat). He uses it time and time again over several hours to weaken the shield wall.

14. As day begins to fade – William plans his final big push
As day begins to fade – William plans his final big push. He orders his archers to fire up into the air in order to hit behind the shield wall.

15. King Harold is hit by one of the arrows and dies
King Harold is hit by one of the arrows and dies. William then orders his entire army to charge the wall.

16. After hours of fighting, the Anglo-Saxon shield wall falls and William’s army cuts them down. Harold, his brothers and all their houscarls are killed.

17. Learning Task 1
Using the information in your book, as well as the video clip you have watched. Copy these statements into your book in chronological order to tell the story of the Battle of Hastings!
During the chaos of charging the wall, some Norman soldiers on the left flank begin to retreat. Legends say they heard a rumour William had been killed.
As King Harold is fighting on foot, he cannot get over to the flank to stop his men charging. He watches as his shield wall breaks on the left.
With these men dead – both armies pause and regroup. William decides to use this tactic (feigned-retreat). He uses it time and time again over several hours to weaken the shield wall.
King Harold is hit by one of the arrows and dies. William then orders his entire army to charge the wall.
The Anglo-Saxons pursue the Normans down the hill into a marshy area. William then seizes the opportunity and orders his knights to charge in and cut them down.
Many of the Anglo-Saxons break ranks and pursue the fleeing Normans.

18. Learning Task 2 Target 9-6 Target 5 – 3
Describe two strengths and two weaknesses Harold’s troops at Hastings.
Describe two features of William’s army at the Battle of Hastings. (4 marks)
Target 5 – 3
Draw two mind-maps; one for William’s knights and another for Harold’s housecarls. For each write down strengths and weaknesses for each.
Make sure you print this diagram out and keep it in your books for studying!