The Battle of Hastings - October 14, 1066

Overview

• Date: Saturday, October 14, 1066
• Location: Grey Apple Tree (known as "Battle" today)
• Significance: A pivotal battle that changed the course of history in England and beyond.

English Forces

• Position: Occupied a ridge, standing shoulder-to-shoulder.
• Armament: Many armed with large axes.
• Formation: Used a traditional fighting method by overlapping shields to form a shield wall.

Norman Forces

• Formation: Drawn up in three lines:
  1. Archers
  2. Infantry
  3. Mounted knights
• Leadership: William the Conqueror wore saints' relics and had the papal banner, signifying divine support.

Battle Commencement

• Time: Fighting began around 9 AM.
• Dynamics: The Normans charged uphill; battle cries soon replaced by the sounds of clash and suffering.

Key Events

• English Shield Wall: Despite being densely packed, they could not fall back, maintaining their defense.
• Norman Rumors: A rumor spread that William had been killed, causing panic among his left flank.
• William's Rallying: He revealed his face and reassured his troops, leading to a regrouping and counterattack against the disorganized English.

Turning Point

• English Line Break: The English line was eventually broken, allowing the Normans to charge in.
• Descriptions: The Bayeux Tapestry illustrates battle confusion and desperation.
• Bishops Involvement: Bishops, like Bishop Odo, participated but were forbidden from shedding blood; Odo carried a club.

Aftermath

• Death of King Harold: Accounts say he was struck in the eye by an arrow.
• Mutilation: Harold's body was so mutilated that it was hard to identify, eventually recognized by his mistress, Edith the Swan-Neck.
• Casualties: The battlefield was described as covered with the blood of English youth and nobility.
• William's Reluctance: Initially refused to bury the English dead; later built an Abbey as penance.

Conclusion

• William's Victory: After the battle, William marched to London, becoming William the Conqueror and later, King of England.
• Significant Shift: Marked the transition of power to the Normans in England.