Norman weapons, armour and tactics
I can describe different tactics used by the Normans in the Battle of Hastings.
Norman weapons, armour and tactics
I can describe different tactics used by the Normans in the Battle of Hastings.
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Lesson details
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.
To help you plan your year 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 year 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.
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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.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
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
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