Starter quiz
- Which keyword describes a building for monks or nuns to live and work in?
- 'abbey' ✓
- Which word describes an area of land that is nearly an island - surrounded by the sea on three sides?
- oath
- isthmus ✓
- manoeuvre
- isosceles
-
- Complete the sentence with the missing word: Harold's orders were for his troops to gather at the ‘grey apple tree’; this was probably a ______ point for the Sussex fyrd.
- 'muster' ✓
- Why was the ridge an important feature of the Battle of Hastings battlefield?
- This is where Harold positioned his forces. ✓
- This is where William positioned his forces.
- It made William's defences stronger as it meant Harold had to attack uphill.
- It made Harold’s defences stronger as it meant the Normans had to attack uphill. ✓
-
- Why could a historian argue that William made a poor leadership decision in picking Senlac Hill as the site of the battlefield?
- The top of the hill was sandy - challenging for Harold's troops to manoeuvre.
- The top of the hill was marshy - challenging for Harold's troops to manoeuvre.
- The base of the hill was sandy - challenging for William's troops to manoeuvre.
- The base of the hill was marshy - challenging for William's troops to manoeuvre. ✓
-
- Which of the following may have been Harold's tactics during the Battle of Hastings?
- to break out of the Hastings isthmus
- to block William’s escape routes ✓
- to defend his location until the rest of his troops arrived ✓
- to draw Harold down to flatter ground where his knights could fight effectively
-
Exit quiz
- Which keyword describes the act of defeating an enemy?
- 'victory' ✓
- Complete the sentence: Luck was considered important in both Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures and was linked to ______ favour.
- 'God's' ✓
- Which of the following statements suggest that Hardrada and Tostig’s invasion was bad luck for Harold?
- Many of the Viking troops had left their armour on their ships.
- He had to march north to defeat their invasion and leave the south undefended. ✓
- He was able to march very quickly with his army.
- He was able to use fyrd system effectively.
-
- When had William originally planned to cross the Channel?
- July
- August ✓
- September
- October
-
- Which of the following events could have involved luck just before and during the Battle of Hastings?
- Harold’s rush down to Hastings ✓
- Harold was killed or injured because of a deliberate tactic.
- rumours of William’s death ✓
- Harold's failure of surprise attack ✓
- The feigned retreat was a tactic Norman knights trained for.
-
- What happened to William in Dover that meant he was lucky not to be attacked whilst he was waiting here with his troops after the Battle of Hastings?
- He married an Anglo-Saxon.
- He recovered from a serious injury.
- He became very ill. ✓
- He became hungover from celebrating.
-
Worksheet
Loading worksheet ...
Presentation
Loading presentation ...
Video
Lesson Details
Key learning points
- Luck was considered important in both Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures and was linked to God's favour.
- The Viking invasion of September 1066 had significant consequences for William's invasion and the Battle of Hastings.
- Medieval battles were often decided by luck, but William's planning, tactics and leadership were significant.
- William was fortunate not to face further attacks after the Battle of Hastings.
Common misconception
Medieval sources may be biased but the events they record did take place.
Medieval sources were influenced by classical authors, and events were often made up to match classical accounts - for example, great events being delayed because the wind was in the wrong direction.
Keywords
Victory - victory is the act of defeating an enemy
+