a turning point is the time at which a situation starts to change in an important way

the term logistically is used to describe the effective organisation of a complicated activity or event

being strategic is doing things which help to achieve a wider plan, for example, in war or politics

a tactic is a planned way of doing something, or a specific action intended to achieve a wider strategy/plan

Reasons for William’s victory at the Battle of Hastings

History

Anglo-Saxon society

The Anglo-Saxon monarchy

Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England

The Anglo-Saxon economy and the role of the Church

Edward the Confessor and the House of Godwin

The uprising against Earl Tostig Godwinson

Claimants to the throne in 1066

The battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge

The Battle of Hastings

The submission of the earls in 1066

Rewarding followers and the Marcher earldoms

Motte-and-bailey castles

The Northern and East Anglian rebellions

The Harrying of the North

The legacy of Anglo-Saxon resistance

The revolt of the earls in 1075

The feudal system in Norman England

The Anglo-Norman Church

Change and continuity in Norman England

The significance of Domesday Book

The Norman aristocracy

Bishop Odo of Bayeux

William I and his successors

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.

British depth study: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88

Depiction of war, threats of war, death or the aftermath of war.

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Depiction or discussion of violence or fighting, including threats of violence or the aftermath of violence.

The time at which a situation starts to change in an important way is known as a {{ }}.

A planned way of doing something, or a specific action intended to achieve a wider strategy/plan is known as a {{ }}.

It may have improved their cavalry tactics.

It may have led to a breakdown of the shield wall.

It enhanced the accuracy of their archers.

How might a possible lack of discipline in the fyrd have contributed to William's victory?

What tactic requiring a high level of skill did the Norman troops use to break the English shield wall?

He made sure his soldiers had enough to eat and drink.

He plundered the area around the port of Dives.

He united troops from traditionally opposing French regions.

He waited long enough for Harold’s army to be sent home.

How did William demonstrate his patience and strategic leadership in the summer of 1066? 

They were innovators in their use of cavalry.

They had a wider mix of troops: archers, foot soldiers and cavalry.

Which of the following were strengths of the Norman army?

A {{ }}  is a military tactic where soldiers stood in a long line overlapping their shields to form a wall of shields.

A {{ }} is when soldiers pretend to draw back in order to lure the enemy into a more vulnerable position.

Bad weather prevented his ships from sailing.

What had prevented Duke William of Normandy and his army from invading England since the beginning of August?

Where was Harold Godwin when Duke William of Normandy and his army set sail across the English Channel?

Who was at the centre of the Norman army formation?

Harold occupied the hilltop with a shield wall.

Norman archers and knights’ charges are ineffective.

A section of the Norman army feigned retreat.

The English shield wall is broken and Harold is killed.

Starting with the earliest, sort these events into the order in which they happened.

Starter Quiz