New
New
Year 10
AQA
Luck and the Battle of Hastings
I can evaluate the importance of luck in the Battle of Hastings.
New
New
Year 10
AQA
Luck and the Battle of Hastings
I can evaluate the importance of luck in the Battle of Hastings.
Slide deck
Download slide deck
Lesson details
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.
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.
Keywords
Victory - victory is the act of defeating an enemy
A recap of key events in September and October 1066 would be a useful way to start this lesson in the classroom.
Teacher tip
Content guidance
- Contains conflict or violence.
Supervision
Adult supervision suggested.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
Loading...
Worksheet
Download worksheet
Starter quiz
Download 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?
oath
manoeuvre
isosceles
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?
This is where William positioned his forces.
It made William's defences stronger as it meant Harold had to attack uphill.
Q5.
Why could a historian argue that William made a poor leadership decision in picking Senlac Hill as the site of the 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.
Q6.
Which of the following may have been Harold's tactics during the Battle of Hastings?
to break out of the Hastings isthmus
to draw Harold down to flatter ground where his knights could fight effectively
Exit quiz
Download 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?
Many of the Viking troops had left their armour on their ships.
He was able to march very quickly with his army.
He was able to use fyrd system effectively.
Q4.
When had William originally planned to cross the Channel?
July
September
October
Q5.
Which of the following events could have involved luck just before and during the Battle of Hastings?
Harold was killed or injured because of a deliberate tactic.
The feigned retreat was a tactic Norman knights trained for.
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?
He married an Anglo-Saxon.
He recovered from a serious injury.
He became hungover from celebrating.