Why did William win the Battle of Hastings in 1066?
Objective
To assess the reasons why William won the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
Task
Below are a set of cards that outline the key developments that surround the
Battle of Hastings. Cut the cards out and organise them under the following
three headings and once you are happy with them stick them into your book.
 Harold’s weaknesses and bad luck.
 William’s leadership.
 The strength and skill of the Norman army.
William’s army was
The wind changed at
blessed by the Pope so
the right time so
the Normans thought
William could launch
that God was on their his attack while Harold
side.
was in the north.
Some of Harold’s most
William’s army used
experienced soldiers
archers, which allowed
were killed at the
for long range attacks.
Battle of Stamford
Harold’s army did not
Bridge.
have archers.
William was able to
Harold’s army had
tempted Harold’s army inexperienced soldiers
off the hill by
who were ill-disciplined
repeatedly pretending
and chased the
to retreat.
Normans down the hill.
William personally led William put together a
charges on the
strong army of 10,000
battlefield to prove he
men which was wellwas alive when some supplied with weapons
thought he was dead.
and equipment.
Because Harold
William kept his army
marched south, he had on full alert during the
to leave many of his
night before the battle
archers and foot
to prevent a surprise
soldiers behind.
attack.
Harold’s men were
exhausted after
marching north to fight
the Vikings, then
marching south again.
Harold took up the high
ground on the
battlefield which gave
him an advantage.
Harold was killed by an
arrow which led to his
army losing confidence
and they fled the
battlefield.
Harold had just fought
in the north. He had
the choice to stay and
rest or march south and
fight.
William’s army had
more professionally
trained men with
archers and had a
cavalry unit.