Luck and the Battle of Hastings

History

In 'Norman England: how did William the Conqueror subdue England?', pupils learnt about the reaction of the Anglo-Saxons to Norman rule and how William consolidated his 1066 victories. In this unit, pupils will learn how their knowledge of Norman England can be applied to a specific historic environment linked to the Normans.

Historic environment (Norman England)

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Which keyword describes the act of defeating an enemy?

Complete the sentence: Luck was considered important in both Anglo-Saxon and Norman cultures and was linked to {{}} favour.

Many of the Viking troops had left their armour on their ships.

He had to march north to defeat their invasion and leave the south undefended.

He was able to march very quickly with his army.

He was able to use fyrd system effectively.

Which of the following statements suggest that Hardrada and Tostig’s invasion was bad luck for Harold?

When had William originally planned to cross the Channel?

Harold was killed or injured because of a deliberate tactic.

The feigned retreat was a tactic Norman knights trained for.

Which of the following events could have involved luck just before and during the Battle of Hastings?

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?

Which keyword describes a building for monks or nuns to live and work in?

Which word describes an area of land that is nearly an island - surrounded by the sea on three sides?

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.

This is where Harold positioned his forces.

This is where William positioned his forces.

It made William's defences stronger as it meant Harold had to attack uphill.

It made Harold’s defences stronger as it meant the Normans had to attack uphill.

Why was the ridge an important feature of the Battle of Hastings battlefield?

The top of the hill was sandy - challenging for Harold's troops to manoeuvre.

The top of the hill was marshy - challenging for Harold's troops to manoeuvre.

The base of the hill was sandy - challenging for William's troops to manoeuvre.

The base of the hill was marshy - challenging for William's troops to manoeuvre.

Why could a historian argue that William made a poor leadership decision in picking Senlac Hill as the site of the battlefield? 

to defend his location until the rest of his troops arrived

to draw Harold down to flatter ground where his knights could fight effectively

Which of the following may have been Harold's tactics during the Battle of Hastings?

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Adult supervision recommended

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Luck and the Battle of Hastings

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.