Luck and the Battle of Hastings
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can evaluate the importance of luck in the Battle of Hastings.
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.
Keywords
Victory - victory is the act of defeating an enemy
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.
Teacher tip
A recap of key events in September and October 1066 would be a useful way to start this lesson in the classroom.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which keyword describes a building for monks or nuns to live and work in?
Q2.Which word describes an area of land that is nearly an island - surrounded by the sea on three sides?
Q3.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.
Q4.Why was the ridge an important feature of the Battle of Hastings battlefield?
Q5.Why could a historian argue that William made a poor leadership decision in picking Senlac Hill as the site of the battlefield?
Q6.Which of the following may have been Harold's tactics during the Battle of Hastings?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which keyword describes the act of defeating an enemy?
Q2.Complete the sentence: Luck was considered important in both Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures and was linked to favour.
Q3.Which of the following statements suggest that Hardrada and Tostig’s invasion was bad luck for Harold?
Q4.When had William originally planned to cross the Channel?
Q5.Which of the following events could have involved luck just before and during the Battle of Hastings?
Q6.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?
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Luck and the Battle of Hastings, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Luck and the Battle of Hastings, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Battle of Hastings unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.