Key Figures
This man became known as “William the Conqueror” after winning the Battle of Hastings.
Who is William, Duke of Normandy?
William, Duke of Normandy, landed his invasion force at this location in southern England.
What is Pevensey?
This part of the Norman army was crucial to their victory at Hastings, employing mounted soldiers.
What is cavalry?
This famous battle took place on October 14, 1066.
What is the Battle of Hastings?
William the Conqueror was crowned King of England on this holiday in 1066.
What is Christmas Day?
This king of England died without an heir, leading to the succession crisis of 1066.
Who is Edward the Confessor?
Harold Godwinson’s army was weakened after a victory at this battle, just days before Hastings.
What is the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
The English army primarily fought in this defensive formation during the Battle of Hastings.
What is the shield wall?
The English king, Harold Godwinson, stationed his forces defensively on this hill at the Battle of Hastings.
What is Senlac Hill?
This document, commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086, detailed landholdings and resources in England.
What is the Domesday Book?
This English earl and king faced multiple invasions in 1066 and died at the Battle of Hastings.
Who is Harold Godwinson?
William claimed the English throne based on a promise from this late English king.
Who is Edward the Confessor?
The Norman forces combined infantry, cavalry, and this ranged unit, which the English army lacked.
What are archers?
William was able to rally his troops and turn the tide after this rumor spread, causing a temporary Norman retreat.
What is William’s death?
William built this abbey at the site of the Battle of Hastings, where Harold supposedly fell.
What is Battle Abbey?
Before facing William, Harold Godwinson defeated this Norwegian king at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
Who is Harald Hardrada?
This historical artifact is a key visual source depicting the events leading to and including the Battle of Hastings.
What is the Bayeux Tapestry?
This tactic, where soldiers pretend to flee to draw the enemy out, was successfully used by the Normans.
What is a feigned retreat?
This depiction of Harold Godwinson’s death, found in the Bayeux Tapestry, remains debated by historians.
What is Harold being shot in the eye with an arrow?
The victory at Hastings reoriented England toward this continent, marking the beginning of Norman influence.
What is Europe?
This rebellious brother of Harold Godwinson supported Harald Hardrada in his claim for the English throne.
Who is Tostig Godwinson?
Halley’s Comet appeared in 1066 and was considered a bad omen. During which season did it appear?
What is Spring?
William’s forces at Hastings were divided into three divisions. Name one of them.
What are the Bretons, Normans, or French?
The English pursuit of retreating Normans opened gaps in their shield wall, leading to their defeat. What caused them to pursue?
What is a feigned retreat?
After Hastings, this man was briefly proclaimed king by the English, though he posed little military threat to William.
Who is Edgar the Ætheling?