Were tactics more important than weapons for winning

Were tactics more important than weapons for winning the Battle of Hastings? 1. To be able to explain the different tactics William and Harold used during the Battle 2. To decide whether tactics were more important than weapons for victory 3. To consider other reasons why the victor won

The Saxon Army Harold had two types of soldiers in his army: 1. Housecarls During the Battle of Hastings, one Housecarl managed to cut his way through the neck of a horse to kill it’s rider with just one blow! These were full time professional soldiers who were well trained & paid.

The Saxon Army Harold had two types of soldiers in his army: 2. Fyrd These were part time, unpaid soldiers who were called up when the country was in danger.

The Norman Army These are highly trained, full time professional soldiers! Spearmen Horsemen / Calvary Archers

Who won the Battle of Hastings and why? It is October 14 th, and a misty morning. Two armies face each other on a shallow hillside near Hastings. What will happen next?

The Day of the Battle! Harold’s forces amass on Senlac Hill The experienced Housecarls at the front. Behind them the untrained fyrd William’s army advance steadily with crossbowmen at front, then the infantry and the knights at the back

The Day of the Battle! Housecarls form a long shield wall. It cannot be broken! William’s army advance steadily but cannot fire accurately uphill or break the shield wall!

The Day of the Battle! Housecarls stand firm William shows he is still alive & fighting by taking off his helmet! His leadership & bravery gives his men courage!

The Day of the Battle! The shield wall starts to break. Some of the untrained fyrd give chase to the fleeing Normans… William leads his men up the hill. Then they turn around & pretend to flee

The Day of the Battle! Harold’s pursuing forces are cut down! The Norman knights turn and fight the enemy on level ground!

The Day of the Battle! Harold is killed during the fighting! Shot with an arrow and butchered! Harold’s housecarls fight to the death The Normans have won the Battle of Hastings!

Aftermath Once King Harold and his brothers are dead the rest of the Saxon army runaway.

The Battlefield Today King Harold was killed here

Why did William win the Battle of Hastings? The Battle of Hastings is over. Amongst the bodies, Harold’s lover (Edith Swan-neck) claims to have found Harold’s body, broken & mutilated. William The Conqueror now takes the English throne!

Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?

Why did William win the Battle of Hastings? Homework for next lesson: Write a plan for your essay Next lesson you will be writing the essay, so do not write it at home!