The Battle of Hastings

This section explores the battle of Hastings. The Battle of Hastings was one of the most significant battles in English history, marking the end of Anglo-Saxon rule and the beginning of Norman control. The battle took place on 14 October 1066, following months of preparation and a long and exhausting campaign for both sides.

The Norman Invasion

After gathering an invasion force of approximately 9,000 men and 700 transport ships, Duke William of Normandy launched his long-anticipated invasion of England. The Normans landed at Pevensey Bay in Sussex on 28 September 1066 and quickly established a motte and bailey castle as a stronghold. This castle served as a base from which they could launch raids on the surrounding area while preparing for the decisive battle against King Harold II and his exhausted army. The Normans used the castle for both protection and to project power, making it the centre of their operations as they awaited Harold's response.

Harold II’s Struggles

King Harold II’s forces had already been severely depleted after the Battle of Stamford Bridge, where they had won a costly victory against Harald Hardrada’s Norwegian army just a few weeks earlier. Many of Harold’s men had either been killed or were too weary to continue. One-third of his army had been lost at Stamford Bridge, and another third had fallen behind as the English army marched south, exhausted from their forced journey. Despite this, Harold managed to gather around 7,000 men, bolstered by the fyrd; a militia made up of local men who were not professional soldiers but were called to arms in times of need. Though they increased the size of his army, the fyrd were inexperienced compared to the more battle-hardened troops Harold had left behind.

Duke William’s Position

While Harold’s forces were struggling to recover, Duke William used his time wisely. His scouts had spotted the advance of the English army, and William’s men were prepared for battle by the time Harold reached the region. The Normans were also well-positioned at Senlac Hill, a small rise in the landscape that offered a commanding view of the battlefield. Harold decided to take up a defensive position on this hill, forming a shield wall, a common Anglo-Saxon battle tactic designed to hold off enemy attacks and protect the soldiers from archery or cavalry charges.

The name Senlac, which later became associated with the battle, is believed to have been derived from the French term 'blood-lake', due to the heavy losses sustained there. This reflects the bloody nature of the battle and the high casualties suffered by both sides.

The Battle Unfolds

The battle began at around 9am, when Duke William and his forces, including infantry, archers, and cavalry, advanced from their position in Hastings to engage Harold’s army. William first ordered his archers to fire at the shield wall, but the English soldiers held firm, and the arrows caused little damage. William then sent in his infantry, but they too were unable to break through the Anglo-Saxon defences. The Normans’ cavalry also attempted to charge the shield wall, but they were repelled, and some even began to retreat after hearing rumours that Duke William had been killed.

In a dramatic display of leadership, William rode to the front of his army, lifted his helmet to show he was still alive, and rallied his forces to continue the fight. This boosted the morale of the Norman troops, and they launched another series of attacks.

The Turning Point

As the day wore on, William devised a new strategy to break the Anglo-Saxon defences. His cavalry pretended to retreat; a tactic known as a feigned retreat. This was designed to lure some of the inexperienced English infantry out of their defensive position. Many of the English soldiers, believing the Normans were retreating, left their shield wall and charged after them.

However, the Normans quickly turned back and launched a counterattack. The English troops, now disorganised and exposed, were cut down by the Norman cavalry. As more English soldiers came down from the hill to join the battle, the Norman forces took advantage of the gap in the shield wall and began to break through the defences.

The Death of King Harold II

By around 5pm, the situation had become critical for Harold and his army. The battle had raged for hours, and the English forces were now on the brink of collapse. King Harold, who had been fighting bravely on foot with his men, was struck by an arrow to the eye. The legend that it was an arrow that killed him has become one of the most enduring images of the Battle of Hastings. Upon hearing of his death, Harold’s army lost all sense of organisation and discipline, and the Normans seized the opportunity to launch a final, devastating assault.

Harold’s brothers, Gyrth and Leofwine, who had fought beside him, were also killed in the battle. As the sun began to set, it was clear that the Normans had emerged victorious. The Anglo-Saxon army was decimated, and what remained of it was scattered. The Battle of Hastings ended in a crushing defeat for King Harold II and his forces.

The Aftermath

Duke William’s victory at Hastings marked a turning point in English history. With Harold dead and his forces destroyed, William was free to march on London and claim the throne of England. His victory was the beginning of the Norman Conquest, which would fundamentally change the culture, language, and governance of England for centuries to come.

The battle is remembered not only for its military significance but also for the transformation it wrought in English society. The Normans brought with them a feudal system, new architectural styles, and a new aristocracy that would shape England’s future. Though the Battle of Hastings was a devastating loss for the Anglo-Saxons, it marked the beginning of a new era in English history.