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Norman England, c1066–c1100

Military aspects: Stamford Bridge, Hastings and Norman tactics

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2 section B

Overview

The battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge, William's landing at Pevensey, the Battle of Hastings with the English shield wall and housecarls against Norman archers, infantry and knights, the feigned retreat, the first Norman castles, and why Harold Godwinson lost.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Why was the English victory at Stamford Bridge such a surprise?

Who and when

What did William's army do in the days after landing on the south coast?

Key term

Describe the shield wall used by the English army.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Where and when was the Battle of Fulford fought, and who won?

    Model answer

    It was fought near York on 20 September 1066, and the Norwegian army beat the northern earls Edwin and Morcar.

  2. 2

    When and where was the Battle of Stamford Bridge fought?

    Model answer

    On 25 September 1066, at a river crossing in Yorkshire east of York.

  3. 3

    Why was the English victory at Stamford Bridge such a surprise?

    Model answer

    Harold Godwinson marched his army north at great speed and caught the Norwegians unprepared, killing both Harald Hardrada and Tostig.

  4. 4

    What did William's army do in the days after landing on the south coast?

    Model answer

    It came ashore at Pevensey on 28 September, built a fortification, and then burned and plundered the surrounding country to draw Harold south.

  5. 5

    When was the Battle of Hastings fought, and what ground did each side hold?

    Model answer

    On 14 October 1066, with the English drawn up along a ridge and the Normans attacking uphill from the valley below.

  6. 6

    Describe the shield wall used by the English army.

    Model answer

    The men stood shoulder to shoulder on foot with their shields overlapping, forming a barrier that was very hard to break as long as nobody moved.

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