Pros And Cons In The Battle Of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings was fought on 14 October 1066 between the Norman army of Duke William of Normandy and an English army under King Harold Godwinson, following the death of Edward the confessor which left no heir to the English throne. Three men competed for the throne these were: Harold Godwinson an English noble man also Edward’s son in law; Harald Hadrada a Viking warrior who had never lost a battle and finally the next king William duke of Normandy.
The battle started at about 9 am, Harold’s weary men gathered at the top of Senlac hill above the Norman force. It would seem as if Harold had the upper hand as he had the high ground a major advantage; however he lacked many things that William had like the use of cavalry and archers. Other factors also contributed to Harold’s defeat and William’s victory.
Firstly William had more soldiers that made up his army. Secondly Harold’s men were tiered from the battle of Stamford Bridge. Also William’s men were highly trained and experienced whereas Harold’s men were mainly farmers and were poorly paid. William’s tactics also played a huge role in the battle.
The Normans attacked
A man was created a knight by being dubbed (struck on both shoulders with a sword). This was a ceremony that was usually performed in church. In return for a grant of land or money, the knight did military service for his lord on a set number of days. To go into battle a knight needed a horse, a shield, a lance, a sword and a hauberk. The knight also wore a conical helmet that had a nose guard for further protection against blows to the face. Norman knights also used spurs and stirrups. Cavalry or horsemen were soldiers or warriors who fought mounted on horseback. Cavalry were historically the most mobile of the combat arms. An individual soldier in the cavalry is known by a number of designations such as cavalryman, horseman, dragoon, or