Transcript Battle of Hastings - Odd one Out

Battle of Hastings - Odd one Out
All will be able to describe some different
accounts of the Battle of Hastings
Most will be able to explain how accounts
of the Battle of Hastings differ
Some will be able to evaluate why accounts
of the Battle of Hastings differ
Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?
Source A
Source B
Anglo Saxon Chronicle entry for 1066
William came against him [Harold] unawares before
his people were assembled. But the king nevertheless
strenuously fought against him with those men who
would follow him; and there was great slaughter
made on either hand. There was slain King Harold and
the Frenchman had possession of the place of
carnage.
Source C
William of Poitiers, Deeds of William, Duke of the Normans and
King of the English (c. 1073)
William was a noble general, inspiring courage, sharing danger,
more often commanding men to follow than urging them on from
the rear... The enemy lost heart at the mere sight of this
marvellous and terrible knight. Three horses were killed under him.
Three times he leapt to his feet. Shields, helmets, hauberks were
cut by his furious and flashing blade, while yet other assailants
were clouted by his own shield. His knights were astonished to see
him a foot-soldier, and many, stricken with wounds, were given
new heart.
Source D
William of Malmesbury, The Deeds of the Kings of the English (c.
1140)
The English passed the night without sleep in drinking and singing,
and, in the morning, proceeded without delay towards the enemy;
all were on foot, armed with battle-axes... The king himself on foot
stood with his brother, near the standard, in order that, while all
shared equal danger none might think of retreating... On the other
side, the Normans passed the whole night in confessing their sins,
and received the Sacrament in the morning. The infantry with
bows and arrows, formed the vanguard, while the cavalry, divided
into wings, were held back.
Source E
John of Worcester (c. 1130)
Because the English were lined up in a narrow place
many slipped away from the battlefield and very few
remained true to the king. However, from the third hour
of daylight until dusk he [Harold] fought most bravely.
But when very many had died on both sides, King Harold
was killed, alas.
Source F
Guillaume of Jumieges, History of the Dukes of
Normandy (1070)
At first he [William] arranged his army in three divisions
and without any fear advanced against the dreadful
enemy. The battle began at the third hour and slaughter
continued until the late evening. Harold, fighting in the
front rank of his army, died covered in wounds. When
the English heard of their king’s death, they fled.
Why do you think these accounts of the Battle of
Hastings are different?
Think, Pair, Share
Duke William
Norway
Battle of Stamford
Bridge
Anglo - Saxon
King Edward
Norman
Bishops
Harold Godwinson
1066
London
Wessex
Shield wall
Harald Hardrada
Christmas Day
York
Normandy
Battle of Hastings
Cavalry
Edgar the Atheling
wind
Arrow