7 Lesser-Known Facts About The Battle of Hastings
7 Lesser-Known Facts About The Battle of Hastings
The Battle of Hastings is a well-known event in British history, but there are some lesser-known facts about this crucial battle that changed the course of England forever. Here are seven surprising details about the Battle of Hastings that you may not have heard before.
The battle actually took place at a location called Senlac Hill, near the town of Battle in East Sussex. The name Battle of Hastings is a misnomer, as the battle did not occur in the town of Hastings itself.
The battle was fought on October 14, 1066, between the Norman-French army of William the Conqueror and the English army led by King Harold II. Harold had only been king for nine months before the battle took place.
The battle lasted for most of the day and was fiercely contested on both sides. It is estimated that around 7,000 men were killed in the fighting, including King Harold himself.
One of the key factors in Williams victory was the use of archers in his army. The Norman archers were able to rain down arrows on the English forces, weakening their defenses and paving the way for the Norman cavalry to charge in and break the English lines.
The Bayeux Tapestry, a famous work of medieval art, is a detailed account of the events leading up to and including the Battle of Hastings. It is believed to have been commissioned by Williams half-brother, Bishop Odo of Bayeux.
After his victory at Hastings, William the Conqueror went on to be crowned King of England on Christmas Day in 1066. This marked the beginning of Norman rule in England and the end of the Anglo-Saxon era.
The legacy of the Battle of Hastings can still be seen in modern England today. The Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and resources in England, was commissioned by William the Conqueror in the aftermath of the battle.
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These lesser-known facts about the Battle of Hastings shed light on the complexities and significance of this pivotal event in English history. From the location of the battle to the tactics used by both sides, there is much more to learn about this famous clash that forever changed the course of England.