Battle of Hastings - Odd one Out

1. Battle of Hastings - Odd one Out

2. 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

3. Why did William win the Battle of Hastings?

4. Source A

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. Why do you think these accounts of the Battle of Hastings are different? Think, Pair, Share