Norman weapons, armour and tactics
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe different tactics used by the Normans in the Battle of Hastings.
Key learning points
- Normans used a range of weapons at the Battle of Hastings.
- Norman armour was effective but did have disadvantages.
- William used different tactics in the battle until he found ones that worked.
- One of the Norman tactics may have been a feigned retreat.
Keywords
Strategy - a strategy is a plan of the actions that are needed in order to achieve an aim
Tactic - a tactic is an action that helps to achieve something specific
Feigned retreat - a feigned retreat is pretending to retreat in order to lure the enemy into a more vulnerable position
Common misconception
We know for sure that William used a feigned retreat tactic at the Battle of Hastings.
In fact, the best sources we have for the battle say different things, for example, that a real retreat gave William the idea of using feigned retreats, or that the 'real' retreat was planned all along.
Teacher tip
Popular video hosting websites have some excellent short videos and animations that bring the (possible) feigned retreat and other tactics to life for students.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
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 word describes a new way of doing something, based on new ideas or developments?
Q2.What types of soldiers did the Norman infantry contain?
Q3.Why did Norman infantry have rounded or conical shaped helmets?
Q4.What is the name of a weapon used by the Normans that used bolts to punch through chainmail and shields?
Q5.Which of these best describes the role of the Norman archers in the Battle of Hastings?
Q6.Which one of these held the Norman knight up, so he could fight from the saddle?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why can't historians say for certain that the Normans used a feigned retreat tactic at the Battle of Hastings?
Q2.Which of the following were weapons used by the Normans at the Battle of Hastings?
Q3.Match the keyword to the correct definition.
a plan of the actions that are needed in order to achieve an aim
an action that helps to achieve something specific
pretending to retreat and luring the enemy into a vulnerable position
Q4.Match the armour terms to their correct definitions.
metal covering at the centre of a shield
a coat of chainmail
a strip of metal on a helmet to protect the face
a chainmail cap or hood
Q5.Which tactic did Harold’s army need to use to defend until reinforcements arrived?
Q6.Put the Norman tactics in order of how they were used in the Battle of Hastings, starting with the earliest.
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Norman weapons, armour and tactics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 history lesson on: Norman weapons, armour and tactics, 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.