The Norman Conquest: Why William Won the Battle of Hastings

Overview

• Series Context: This is part of a video series exploring the Norman Conquest.
• Previous Videos: Covered Normandy in 1065, claimants to the throne, the Battle of Fulford & Stamford Bridge, and the Battle of Hastings.
• Focus of This Video: Examining why William won the Battle of Hastings and successfully conquered England.

Key Factors Leading to William's Victory

1. Norman Preparation and Strength

   • Knights on Horseback: Utilization of cavalry with stirrups for effective combat.
   • Advanced Armor and Technology: Use of chainmail to protect their forces.
   • Feudal System: Ensured a tightly knit and rapidly mobilizable army.
   • Castle Expertise: Superior castle design and rapid construction of wooden motte-and-bailey castles for strategic advantage.

2. William's Strong Claim to the Throne

   • Blood Link: Connection to Emma of Normandy, a link to the English throne.
   • Alleged Oath by Harold Godwinson: Adds legitimacy to William's claim.
   • Support from the Pope and Catholic Church: Bolstered his position with religious backing.

3. Weakness of Harold Godwinson's Army

   • Prior Battles: Fought and won at Stamford Bridge but with significant troop losses.
   • Exhaustion: Army marched long distances from York to Hastings.

4. Norman Tactics at Hastings

   • False Retreat Tactic: Key maneuver that broke the Anglo-Saxon shield wall.
   • Effective Use of Archers: Provided strategic advantage in battle.
   • Cavalry Advantage: Normans could perform battlefield maneuvers that the Anglo-Saxons couldn't.

Conclusion

• The combination of Norman preparedness, William's legitimate claim, Harold's weakened forces, and superior tactics led to the Norman victory at Hastings.
• These elements interlinked to facilitate William's conquest.

Next Steps

• Future Videos: Will explore what William and the Normans did after taking power in 1066.