Battle of Hastings - Revision history

Paul Matisz: /* The Buildup */

2008-07-26T03:40:39Z

The Buildup

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 26 July 2008
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	When [[Harold Godwinsson]] inherited the throne from [[Edward the Confessor]] in early 1066, he triggered a furor throughout western [[Europe]]. Several other claimants to the [[England\|English]] throne emerged, chief among these [[William the Conqueror\|William, Duke of Normandy]].		When [[Harold Godwinsson]] inherited the throne from [[Edward the Confessor]] in early 1066, he triggered a furor throughout western [[Europe]]. Several other claimants to the [[England\|English]] throne emerged, chief among these [[William the Conqueror\|William, Duke of Normandy]].

	While King Harold was fighting Norse invaders at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], [[Duke]] William was waiting for a favourable [[wind]] to cross the [[English Channel]] and invade England. On 27 September 1066, he was finally able to cross the channel and landed at [[Pevesney]] bay, in Harold's own [[~~fief~~]] of [[Sussex]], where he quickly raised a [[castle]] from prefabricated sections and began [[raid\|raiding]] inland, trying to force Harold to give [[battle]].		While King Harold was fighting Norse invaders at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], [[Duke]] William was waiting for a favourable [[wind]] to cross the [[English Channel]] and invade England. On 27 September 1066, he was finally able to cross the channel and landed at [[Pevesney]] bay, in Harold's own [[demense]] of [[Sussex]], where he quickly raised a [[castle]] from prefabricated sections and began [[raid\|raiding]] inland, trying to force Harold to give [[battle]].

	Had William landed even a few weeks earlier, he would have faced a more formidable foe. King Harold had repulsed a [[Norse]] invasion of [[England]] at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], but at the cost of much of his professional army. Many of the surviving [[housecarl\|housecarls]] and [[levy\|fyrdmen]] were still making their way back from York, having [[march\|marched]] a round trip of more than four hundred miles in less than two weeks. Nevertheless, Harold [[levy\|called up]] as many men as he could, and moved south to counter the Norman threat.		Had William landed even a few weeks earlier, he would have faced a more formidable foe. King Harold had repulsed a [[Norse]] invasion of [[England]] at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], but at the cost of much of his professional army. Many of the surviving [[housecarl\|housecarls]] and [[levy\|fyrdmen]] were still making their way back from York, having [[march\|marched]] a round trip of more than four hundred miles in less than two weeks. Nevertheless, Harold [[levy\|called up]] as many men as he could, and moved south to counter the Norman threat.

User 144 at 11:46, 29 January 2006

2006-01-29T11:46:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:46, 29 January 2006
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	== The Buildup ==		== The Buildup ==
	When [[Harold Godwinsson]] inherited the throne from [[Edward the Confessor]] in early 1066, he triggered a furor throughout western [[Europe]]. Several other claimants to the [[England\|English]] throne emerged, chief among these [[William, Duke of Normandy~~\|William the Conqueror~~]].		When [[Harold Godwinsson]] inherited the throne from [[Edward the Confessor]] in early 1066, he triggered a furor throughout western [[Europe]]. Several other claimants to the [[England\|English]] throne emerged, chief among these [[William the Conqueror\|William, Duke of Normandy]].

	While King Harold was fighting Norse invaders at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], [[Duke]] William was waiting for a favourable [[wind]] to cross the [[English Channel]] and invade England. On 27 September 1066, he was finally able to cross the channel and landed at [[Pevesney]] bay, in Harold's own [[fief]] of [[Sussex]], where he quickly raised a [[castle]] from prefabricated sections and began [[raid\|raiding]] inland, trying to force Harold to give [[battle]].		While King Harold was fighting Norse invaders at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], [[Duke]] William was waiting for a favourable [[wind]] to cross the [[English Channel]] and invade England. On 27 September 1066, he was finally able to cross the channel and landed at [[Pevesney]] bay, in Harold's own [[fief]] of [[Sussex]], where he quickly raised a [[castle]] from prefabricated sections and began [[raid\|raiding]] inland, trying to force Harold to give [[battle]].

User 144 at 11:45, 29 January 2006

2006-01-29T11:45:14Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:45, 29 January 2006
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	The '''Battle of Hastings''' (sometimes referred to as '''Senlac''' in [[France]]) is one of the most well-known battles in [[Europe\|European]] history. It was the second of two [[Battle of Stamford Bridge\|pivotal battles]] fought by King [[Harold Godwinsson]] in [[1066 ~~C.E.~~]].		The '''Battle of Hastings''' (sometimes referred to as '''Senlac''' in [[France]]) is one of the most well-known battles in [[Europe\|European]] history. It was the second of two [[Battle of Stamford Bridge\|pivotal battles]] fought by King [[Harold Godwinsson]] in [[1066]].

	== The Buildup ==		== The Buildup ==
	When [[Harold Godwinsson]] inherited the throne from [[Edward the Confessor]] in early 1066, he triggered a furor throughout western [[Europe]]. Several other claimants to the [[England\|English]] throne emerged, chief among these [[William of Normandy]].		When [[Harold Godwinsson]] inherited the throne from [[Edward the Confessor]] in early 1066, he triggered a furor throughout western [[Europe]]. Several other claimants to the [[England\|English]] throne emerged, chief among these [[William, Duke of Normandy\|William the Conqueror]].

	While King Harold was fighting Norse invaders at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], [[Duke]] William was waiting for a favourable [[wind]] to cross the [[English Channel]] and invade England. On 27 September 1066, he was finally able to cross the channel and landed at [[Pevesney]] bay, in Harold's own [[fief]] of [[Sussex]], where he quickly raised a [[castle]] from prefabricated sections and began [[raid\|raiding]] inland, trying to force Harold to give [[battle]].		While King Harold was fighting Norse invaders at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], [[Duke]] William was waiting for a favourable [[wind]] to cross the [[English Channel]] and invade England. On 27 September 1066, he was finally able to cross the channel and landed at [[Pevesney]] bay, in Harold's own [[fief]] of [[Sussex]], where he quickly raised a [[castle]] from prefabricated sections and began [[raid\|raiding]] inland, trying to force Harold to give [[battle]].
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	On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and deliberate [[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.		On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and deliberate [[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.

	Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.		Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and then killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.

	== The Aftermath ==		== The Aftermath ==

Paul Matisz: /* The Battle */

2005-10-25T23:55:54Z

The Battle

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:55, 26 October 2005
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	The Anglo-Saxon right flank, rather than staying in the [[shieldwall]], began an uncontrolled pursuit down the slope after the fleeing Normans. When they reached the base of the ridge, the Norman cavalry [[maneuver\|wheeled]] in and, standing in their [[stirrup\|stirrups]], rode down the Anglo-Saxons.		The Anglo-Saxon right flank, rather than staying in the [[shieldwall]], began an uncontrolled pursuit down the slope after the fleeing Normans. When they reached the base of the ridge, the Norman cavalry [[maneuver\|wheeled]] in and, standing in their [[stirrup\|stirrups]], rode down the Anglo-Saxons.

	On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and deliberate[[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.		On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and deliberate [[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.

	Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.		Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.

Paul Matisz: added word "deliberate" to the series of retreats

2005-10-25T18:51:58Z

added word "deliberate" to the series of retreats

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:51, 26 October 2005
Line 15:		Line 15:
	The Anglo-Saxon right flank, rather than staying in the [[shieldwall]], began an uncontrolled pursuit down the slope after the fleeing Normans. When they reached the base of the ridge, the Norman cavalry [[maneuver\|wheeled]] in and, standing in their [[stirrup\|stirrups]], rode down the Anglo-Saxons.		The Anglo-Saxon right flank, rather than staying in the [[shieldwall]], began an uncontrolled pursuit down the slope after the fleeing Normans. When they reached the base of the ridge, the Norman cavalry [[maneuver\|wheeled]] in and, standing in their [[stirrup\|stirrups]], rode down the Anglo-Saxons.

	On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and [[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.		On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and deliberate[[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.

	Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.		Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.

Paul Matisz at 19:06, 24 October 2005

2005-10-24T19:06:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:06, 25 October 2005
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	On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and [[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.		On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and [[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.

	Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.		Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.

	== The Aftermath ==		== The Aftermath ==

Paul Matisz: rewrote entire article

2005-10-24T18:46:38Z

rewrote entire article

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:46, 25 October 2005
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	The '''Battle of Hastings''' ~~was~~ ~~the~~ ~~first~~ ~~major~~ [[~~Norman~~]] ~~victory~~ in the [[~~Norman conquest~~]] of [[~~England~~]] in [[~~1066~~]][[AD]]		The '''Battle of Hastings''' (sometimes referred to as '''Senlac''' in [[France]]) is one of the most well-known battles in [[Europe\|European]] history. It was the second of two [[Battle of Stamford Bridge\|pivotal battles]] fought by King [[Harold Godwinsson]] in [[1066 C.E.]].

			== The Buildup ==
			When [[Harold Godwinsson]] inherited the throne from [[Edward the Confessor]] in early 1066, he triggered a furor throughout western [[Europe]]. Several other claimants to the [[England\|English]] throne emerged, chief among these [[William of Normandy]].

			While King Harold was fighting Norse invaders at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], [[Duke]] William was waiting for a favourable [[wind]] to cross the [[English Channel]] and invade England. On 27 September 1066, he was finally able to cross the channel and landed at [[Pevesney]] bay, in Harold's own [[fief]] of [[Sussex]], where he quickly raised a [[castle]] from prefabricated sections and began [[raid\|raiding]] inland, trying to force Harold to give [[battle]].

			Had William landed even a few weeks earlier, he would have faced a more formidable foe. King Harold had repulsed a [[Norse]] invasion of [[England]] at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], but at the cost of much of his professional army. Many of the surviving [[housecarl\|housecarls]] and [[levy\|fyrdmen]] were still making their way back from York, having [[march\|marched]] a round trip of more than four hundred miles in less than two weeks. Nevertheless, Harold [[levy\|called up]] as many men as he could, and moved south to counter the Norman threat.

			== The Battle ==
			On 10 October 1066, King Harold arrayed his host of several thousand Anglo-Saxons along the top of a [[high ground\|low ridge]] about five miles from the village of Hastings, blocking the road north. At the base of the ridge waited William of Normandy's army. Having ridden to the [[battlefield]] the Anglo-Saxons fought in the ancient way, as [[infantry]] in a [[shieldwall]]. The Normans had many [[infantry\|infantrymen]], but also a sizable force of [[cavalry\|mounted warriors]] under personal command of William himself. The effectiveness of the Norman cavalry was greatly amplified by a single technological advantage: the [[stirrup]].

			Around midmorning the Norman infantry charged up the slope in a storm of [[arrows]], slamming into the English shieldwall on the [[high ground]]. Fierce hand to hand fighting ensued, and shortly after the initial clash, the Norman's left [[flank]] crumbled and [[retreat\|retreated]] back downhill.

			The Anglo-Saxon right flank, rather than staying in the [[shieldwall]], began an uncontrolled pursuit down the slope after the fleeing Normans. When they reached the base of the ridge, the Norman cavalry [[maneuver\|wheeled]] in and, standing in their [[stirrup\|stirrups]], rode down the Anglo-Saxons.

			On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and [[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.

			Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.

			== The Aftermath ==
			With Harold dead and the Engish army defeated, William marched to London and seized the [[throne]] with little difficulty. The [[Norman Conquest\|victorious Normans]] then established a completely new set of laws over the defeated Anglo-Saxons, effectively changing the character of [[England]] forever.


	The [[battle]] occured on September 28, [[1066]]. One of the important [[primary source]]s is the [[Bayeux Tapestry]].

	Basically, the Normans won because of poor scheduling. Poor old Harold was required to put in an appearance at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], and then swiftly march south to meet the Normans in the much anticipated clash at Hastings, while the [[Denmark\|Danes]] had the bye. The effort of back to back matches was too much for the English, and as no-one on the organising committee could be found to protest, the Normans got to keep [[England]]. Had the English been able to avail themselves of the usual break between major battles they probably would have performed better, as it would have given more time for their injured stars to regain fitness. The Normans also had success in the [[Holy Land]]s and [[Sicily\|Sicilian]] Leagues against indifferent and confused opponents until the game's authorities (''see also:'' [[Pope]]) intervened.

	== External Links ==		== External Links ==

Cian: Hastings

2005-03-03T04:30:59Z

Hastings

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:30, 3 March 2005
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	The '''Battle of Hastings''' was the first major [[Norman]] victory in the [[Norman conquest]] of [[England]] in [[1066]][[AD]]		The '''Battle of Hastings''' was the first major [[Norman]] victory in the [[Norman conquest]] of [[England]] in [[1066]][[AD]]

	The battle occured on September 28, [[1066]]. One of the important [[primary source]]s is the [[Bayeux Tapestry]].		The [[battle]] occured on September 28, [[1066]]. One of the important [[primary source]]s is the [[Bayeux Tapestry]].

	Basically, the Normans won because of poor scheduling. Poor old Harold was required to put in an appearance at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], and then swiftly march south to meet the Normans in the much anticipated clash at Hastings, while the Danes had the bye. The effort of back to back matches was too much for the English, and as no-one on the organising committee could be found to protest, the Normans got to keep [[England]]. Had the English been able to avail themselves of the usual break between major battles they probably would have performed better, as it would have given more time for their injured stars to regain fitness. The Normans also had success in the Holy ~~Lands~~ and Sicilian Leagues against indifferent and confused opponents until the game's authorities (''see also:'' [[Pope]]) intervened.		Basically, the Normans won because of poor scheduling. Poor old Harold was required to put in an appearance at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], and then swiftly march south to meet the Normans in the much anticipated clash at Hastings, while the [[Denmark\|Danes]] had the bye. The effort of back to back matches was too much for the English, and as no-one on the organising committee could be found to protest, the Normans got to keep [[England]]. Had the English been able to avail themselves of the usual break between major battles they probably would have performed better, as it would have given more time for their injured stars to regain fitness. The Normans also had success in the [[Holy Land]]s and [[Sicily\|Sicilian]] Leagues against indifferent and confused opponents until the game's authorities (''see also:'' [[Pope]]) intervened.

	== External Links ==		== External Links ==
	* http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hastings		* http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hastings
			[[category:battles (medieval)\|Hastings]]

JakeVortex: link

2003-12-22T21:13:29Z

link

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:13, 23 December 2003
Line 4:		Line 4:

	Basically, the Normans won because of poor scheduling. Poor old Harold was required to put in an appearance at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], and then swiftly march south to meet the Normans in the much anticipated clash at Hastings, while the Danes had the bye. The effort of back to back matches was too much for the English, and as no-one on the organising committee could be found to protest, the Normans got to keep [[England]]. Had the English been able to avail themselves of the usual break between major battles they probably would have performed better, as it would have given more time for their injured stars to regain fitness. The Normans also had success in the Holy Lands and Sicilian Leagues against indifferent and confused opponents until the game's authorities (''see also:'' [[Pope]]) intervened.		Basically, the Normans won because of poor scheduling. Poor old Harold was required to put in an appearance at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], and then swiftly march south to meet the Normans in the much anticipated clash at Hastings, while the Danes had the bye. The effort of back to back matches was too much for the English, and as no-one on the organising committee could be found to protest, the Normans got to keep [[England]]. Had the English been able to avail themselves of the usual break between major battles they probably would have performed better, as it would have given more time for their injured stars to regain fitness. The Normans also had success in the Holy Lands and Sicilian Leagues against indifferent and confused opponents until the game's authorities (''see also:'' [[Pope]]) intervened.

			== External Links ==
			* http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hastings

Morgant at 10:48, 15 July 2003

2003-07-15T10:48:57Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:48, 15 July 2003
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The '''Battle of Hastings''' was the first major [[Norman]] victory in the Norman conquest of [[England]] in [[1066]][[AD]]		The '''Battle of Hastings''' was the first major [[Norman]] victory in the [[Norman conquest]] of [[England]] in [[1066]][[AD]]

	The battle occured on September 28, [[1066]].		The battle occured on September 28, [[1066]]. One of the important [[primary source]]s is the [[Bayeux Tapestry]].

	Basically the Normans won because of poor scheduling. Poor old Harold was required to put in an appearance at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], and then swiftly march south to meet the Normans in the much anticipated clash at Hastings, while the Danes had the bye. The effort of back to back matches was too much for the English, and as no-one on the organising committee could be found to protest the Normans got to keep [[England]]. Had the English been able to avail themselves of the usual break between major battles they probably would have performed better, as it would have given more time for their injured stars to regain fitness. The Normans also had success in the Holy Lands and ~~Scicilian~~ Leagues against indifferent and confused opponents until the game's authorities (''see also:'' [[Pope]]) intervened.		Basically, the Normans won because of poor scheduling. Poor old Harold was required to put in an appearance at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], and then swiftly march south to meet the Normans in the much anticipated clash at Hastings, while the Danes had the bye. The effort of back to back matches was too much for the English, and as no-one on the organising committee could be found to protest, the Normans got to keep [[England]]. Had the English been able to avail themselves of the usual break between major battles they probably would have performed better, as it would have given more time for their injured stars to regain fitness. The Normans also had success in the Holy Lands and Sicilian Leagues against indifferent and confused opponents until the game's authorities (''see also:'' [[Pope]]) intervened.

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:40, 26 July 2008
Line 4:		Line 4:
	When [[Harold Godwinsson]] inherited the throne from [[Edward the Confessor]] in early 1066, he triggered a furor throughout western [[Europe]]. Several other claimants to the [[England\|English]] throne emerged, chief among these [[William the Conqueror\|William, Duke of Normandy]].		When [[Harold Godwinsson]] inherited the throne from [[Edward the Confessor]] in early 1066, he triggered a furor throughout western [[Europe]]. Several other claimants to the [[England\|English]] throne emerged, chief among these [[William the Conqueror\|William, Duke of Normandy]].

	While King Harold was fighting Norse invaders at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], [[Duke]] William was waiting for a favourable [[wind]] to cross the [[English Channel]] and invade England. On 27 September 1066, he was finally able to cross the channel and landed at [[Pevesney]] bay, in Harold's own [[~~fief~~]] of [[Sussex]], where he quickly raised a [[castle]] from prefabricated sections and began [[raid\|raiding]] inland, trying to force Harold to give [[battle]].		While King Harold was fighting Norse invaders at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], [[Duke]] William was waiting for a favourable [[wind]] to cross the [[English Channel]] and invade England. On 27 September 1066, he was finally able to cross the channel and landed at [[Pevesney]] bay, in Harold's own [[demense]] of [[Sussex]], where he quickly raised a [[castle]] from prefabricated sections and began [[raid\|raiding]] inland, trying to force Harold to give [[battle]].

	Had William landed even a few weeks earlier, he would have faced a more formidable foe. King Harold had repulsed a [[Norse]] invasion of [[England]] at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], but at the cost of much of his professional army. Many of the surviving [[housecarl\|housecarls]] and [[levy\|fyrdmen]] were still making their way back from York, having [[march\|marched]] a round trip of more than four hundred miles in less than two weeks. Nevertheless, Harold [[levy\|called up]] as many men as he could, and moved south to counter the Norman threat.		Had William landed even a few weeks earlier, he would have faced a more formidable foe. King Harold had repulsed a [[Norse]] invasion of [[England]] at the [[Battle of Stamford Bridge]], but at the cost of much of his professional army. Many of the surviving [[housecarl\|housecarls]] and [[levy\|fyrdmen]] were still making their way back from York, having [[march\|marched]] a round trip of more than four hundred miles in less than two weeks. Nevertheless, Harold [[levy\|called up]] as many men as he could, and moved south to counter the Norman threat.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:55, 26 October 2005
Line 15:		Line 15:
	The Anglo-Saxon right flank, rather than staying in the [[shieldwall]], began an uncontrolled pursuit down the slope after the fleeing Normans. When they reached the base of the ridge, the Norman cavalry [[maneuver\|wheeled]] in and, standing in their [[stirrup\|stirrups]], rode down the Anglo-Saxons.		The Anglo-Saxon right flank, rather than staying in the [[shieldwall]], began an uncontrolled pursuit down the slope after the fleeing Normans. When they reached the base of the ridge, the Norman cavalry [[maneuver\|wheeled]] in and, standing in their [[stirrup\|stirrups]], rode down the Anglo-Saxons.

	On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and deliberate[[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.		On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and deliberate [[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.

	Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.		Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.

← Older revision		Revision as of 04:51, 26 October 2005
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	The Anglo-Saxon right flank, rather than staying in the [[shieldwall]], began an uncontrolled pursuit down the slope after the fleeing Normans. When they reached the base of the ridge, the Norman cavalry [[maneuver\|wheeled]] in and, standing in their [[stirrup\|stirrups]], rode down the Anglo-Saxons.		The Anglo-Saxon right flank, rather than staying in the [[shieldwall]], began an uncontrolled pursuit down the slope after the fleeing Normans. When they reached the base of the ridge, the Norman cavalry [[maneuver\|wheeled]] in and, standing in their [[stirrup\|stirrups]], rode down the Anglo-Saxons.

	On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and [[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.		On the ridge, Harold was able to maintain control of part of his [[shieldwall]], but his command of the battle was severely hampered by his lack of mobility. Seeing his advantage, William changed [[tactics]] and began a series of [[charge\|charges]] and deliberate[[retreat\|retreats]] up the slope, each time drawing out more Anglo-Saxons, who were promptly ridden down.

	Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.		Late in the day, the Normans rolled up the hill one last time under cover of the last of their [[arrow\|arrows]]. Harold, possibly looking upward to gauge the sun, was struck in the eye by an arrow and killed. With his death, the Anglo-Saxons lost any coordination and the [[shieldwall]] disintegrated into a bloody [[melee]]. Harold's [[housecarl\|housecarls]] died to the last man, and his body was chopped to pieces by the Normans.