Art History
M. W. 130pm
Battle of Hastings (1066)
Who were the main characters in this historic event?
The main characters of the battle were Duke William of Normandy and King Harold II of England.
What precipitated the battle?
King Edward, who was the king before the battle began, didn’t have any children of his own. King Edward proclaimed Harold of England to be king once he’d died. Once the time came the power was granted to Harold Godwine. King William believed that he was the rightful king for England. Harold had been shipwrecked off the coast of Ponthieu. William had taken Harold captive and made him take an oath saying he would be king once King Edward had died.
Edward died in 1066 and once Harold was proclaimed King Harold II, William immediately gathered his army and responded.
What happened in the battle?
During the battle William quickly lost the left flank of his army because he had gone quicker than he probably should have. Because of this the two other divisions began to slowly break apart. Then rumor had gotten around saying that William had died. To prove that this was false during the battle William took off his helmet. The English were standing tough and seemed like their wall of soldiers couldn’t be broken down. The Norman archers then began shooting their arrows up in the arrow hoping they’d rain down on the English and puncture in their heads. It’s said that King Harold was shot in the eye. King Harold is eventually killed and the Normans win.
What were the consequences of the battle?
After the battle the Normans began influencing the lifestyle. They began speaking more of the French language and practicing their customs. The Saxons were also enslaved and treated terribly. It also paved the way for other Norman invasions. King William pretty much became more and more powerful.