Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils study an aspect of British medieval history in depth. They learn about the social, economic, religious and political events that influenced the lives of those who lived in this period.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the reasons for William's victory.

Key Notes

• William was an experienced and organised military leader who held his army together in the summer of 1066.
• Harold was an experienced military leader who was weakened by fighting at Stamford Bridge.
• The English troops had a varied skill level which held an effective shield wall that eventually broke.
• The Norman troops had a mix of professional skills which used a retreat tactic to break the English line.
• Historians recognise there were multiple reasons for William's victory at Hastings.

Vocabulary To Learn

• turning point: a turning point is the time at which a situation starts to change in an important way
• logisitically: the term logistically is used to describe the effective organisation of a complicated activity or event
• strategic: being strategic is doing things which help to achieve a wider plan, for example, in war or politics
• tactic: a tactic is a planned way of doing something, or a specific action intended to achieve a wider strategy/plan

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Sending the fyrd defences home in September is evidence of Harold's poor decision making.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Anglo-Saxon society Study Guide
• Bishop Odo of Bayeux Study Guide
• Change and continuity in Norman England Study Guide
• Claimants to the throne in 1066 Study Guide
• Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England Study Guide
• Edward the Confessor and the House of Godwin Study Guide
• Motte-and-bailey castles Study Guide
• Rewarding followers and the Marcher earldoms Study Guide
• The Anglo-Norman Church Study Guide
• The Anglo-Saxon economy and the role of the Church Study Guide
• The Anglo-Saxon monarchy Study Guide
• The Battle of Hastings Study Guide
• The battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge Study Guide
• The feudal system in Norman England Study Guide
• The Harrying of the North Study Guide
• The legacy of Anglo-Saxon resistance Study Guide
• The Norman aristocracy Study Guide
• The Northern and East Anglian rebellions Study Guide
• The revolt of the earls in 1075 Study Guide
• The significance of Domesday Book Study Guide
• The submission of the earls in 1066 Study Guide
• The uprising against Earl Tostig Godwinson Study Guide
• William I and his successors Study Guide