Alexander Cekala1066: The Battle of Hastings
The Battle of Hastings was a decisive battle in the Norman invasion of England, leading to the death of King Harold and the decimation of England's trained armed forces. It took place in 1066.
Background
William, duke or Normandy, planned to use force of arms to claim the English crown. He landed in Pevensey and in response King Harold led the English forces southwards to face them. The English troops were already tired from a previous battle.
The Battle
While at the beginning the actual battle was favourable to the English, with the Norman archers having little affect and the English defensive line standing against all attacks, this was soon to change. The Norman cavalry began to use a tactic of mock retreats to draw the English from their defensive positions so they could defeat them more easily. Persistent use of this tactic and continued attacks whittled down the English army.
At this point the Norman archers attacked once again, followed by another charge by the Norman cavalry. One of these attacks led to the death of King Harold. The cavalry charge was much more successful than earlier attacks and the combination of this and many English soldiers retreating in response to the loss of their King, gave victory to the Normans.
Following this...
The Norman army continued its advance in the following weeks and after token resistance the English surrendered and crowned William their king.
And now the year 1066 is one of the first that English school students learn.
Tomorrow
A shorter post today, and still not sure what I have planned for tomorrow so I guess you have to wait and see (or make a suggestion).
Adam
Background
William, duke or Normandy, planned to use force of arms to claim the English crown. He landed in Pevensey and in response King Harold led the English forces southwards to face them. The English troops were already tired from a previous battle.
The Battle
While at the beginning the actual battle was favourable to the English, with the Norman archers having little affect and the English defensive line standing against all attacks, this was soon to change. The Norman cavalry began to use a tactic of mock retreats to draw the English from their defensive positions so they could defeat them more easily. Persistent use of this tactic and continued attacks whittled down the English army.
At this point the Norman archers attacked once again, followed by another charge by the Norman cavalry. One of these attacks led to the death of King Harold. The cavalry charge was much more successful than earlier attacks and the combination of this and many English soldiers retreating in response to the loss of their King, gave victory to the Normans.
Following this...
The Norman army continued its advance in the following weeks and after token resistance the English surrendered and crowned William their king.
And now the year 1066 is one of the first that English school students learn.
Tomorrow
A shorter post today, and still not sure what I have planned for tomorrow so I guess you have to wait and see (or make a suggestion).
Adam
