The Battle of Hastings

1. The Battle of Hastings Grade 7

2. For most of the first part of 1066,William built up an army in Normandy. • He was unable to cross the English Channel for a large part of the summer as the winds were not favourable. • Although frustrated, he kept calm and patient and waited for the right conditions.

3. On the English side of the Channel, Harold Godwinson waited for William. • But Harold’s other great opponent, Hardrada, attacked first. • Harold had to collect his soldiers and march north to fight Hardrada. • After marching nearly 200 miles, Harold won a great victory. • Hardrada was killed.

4. Unfortunately for Harold, while he was in the north, the wind in the Channel changed. • William crossed the English Channel from Normandy with no one to stop him. • Once more, Harold was forced to march his army for over 250 miles. • On the night of 13th October, he arrived at Hastings.

5. When the Battle of Hastings started, the fighting was fierce and lasted almost until nightfall. • The English forces put up a tough fight. • The Normans finally broke the English forces with a series of attacks and trick retreats. • Thinking that the Normans were running away, the English chased them – only to be cut down when the Norman knights turned and attacked. • Victory came to the Normans, when Harold was killed.

6. William was clever enough to know that this one battle was not going to win England. • In the next two months, he marched through Sussex and Kent, burning down towns and terrorising people. • He wanted the English to be afraid of him. • He eventually reached London and was crowned king of England on Christmas day in 1066.