Battle of Hastings Soil - 1066

Overview and Combatants

• Date: October 14, 1066.

• Location: Senlac Hill, about 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Hastings, England.

• The Normans: Led by William of Normandy, consisting of cavalry, infantry, and archers.

• The Anglo-Saxons: Led by King Harold Godwinson, consisting primarily of infantry.

Why It Was Fought

• King Edward the Confessor died in January 1066 without a clear direct heir.

• Harold Godwinson seized the English throne.

• Duke William claimed Edward had previously promised him the crown and that Harold had sworn an oath to support this claim.

• William launched an invasion fleet across the English channel, landing at Pevensey on September 28, 1066.

How the Battle Unfolded

• The English Shield Wall: Harold’s forces formed a dense, disciplined defensive line at the top of a ridge.

• Initial Struggles: Norman infantry and cavalry attacks failed to break the tight Anglo-Saxon formation.

• The Turning Point: Rumors of William's death caused a panic and retreat among some Norman forces. William lifted his helmet to show he was alive and rallied his men.

• Feigned Retreats: The Normans used coordinated fake retreats, drawing the English out of their defensive lines and surrounding them.

• The Death of Harold: King Harold was killed late in the afternoon (famously depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry as taking an arrow to the eye), prompting an English collapse.