The Norman army
I can describe key features of the Norman infantry and cavalry.
The Norman army
I can describe key features of the Norman infantry and cavalry.
Slide deck
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Norman army contained a mix of infantry and cavalry.
- The Norman army was made up of professional soldiers.
- The Norman infantry included foot soldiers and archers.
- The Norman army featured military innovations that were new to England.
- The shield wall needed to be weakened before Norman cavalry could be effective.
Common misconception
If William had more knights, he would have won the Battle of Hastings more quickly.
Knights may have been less effective against the shield wall than infantry, because the unarmoured horses were vulnerable. They were probably much more effective in later stages of the battle, once the shield wall had been broken up.
Keywords
Infantry - soldiers who fight on foot are known as infantry
Cavalry - soldiers who fight on horseback are known as cavalry
Mercenary - a mercenary is someone who joins a foreign army in order to be paid
Innovation - an innovation is a new way of doing something, based on new ideas or developments
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
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Worksheet
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
Soldiers who fight on foot
Soldiers who fight on horseback
Someone who joins a foreign army in order to be paid