Saxon and Norman Armies

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  • Created by: laura_s
  • Created on: 23-01-16 16:19
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  • Saxon  Armies
    • Freeman volunteered when they were needed
      • Hardened force due to so many battles, like the battle of Hastings in 1066
    • They brought their own weapons to battle
      • Swords, a spear and a shield. Or farm weapons
    • Saxons did not fight on horseback
    • Housecarls were better prepared (2,000 troops at the battle of Hastings)
      • They were professional, paid soldiers, who were clothed, armed and fed by their lord
    • Mainly defended against attacking armies, a big strategy was moving in formation
      • Their was a defensive line of Housecarls, with fyrdmen behind. Shield walls were created and spears and arrows were thrown from behind the shield walls
    • They recruited the young, who were then trained to fight in battle
  • Norman Armies
    • Had foot soldiers, infantry (4,000 at the battle of Hastings)
      • Professional soldiers, less protected. No chainmail
    • 2,000 archers at the battle of Hastings. Only drew arrows back to the ear, they travelled 100 yards. Some also had crowssbows
    • Mounted knights, from wealthier families, made up half of the army at the battle of Hastings
    • They wore knee length chain mail skirts, hauberks, hoods and helmets
    • They had castles and military bases
    • Lances, swords, cavalry and arrows often softened up the enemy before infantry moved in
  • Housecarls were better prepared (2,000 troops at the battle of Hastings)
    • They were professional, paid soldiers, who were clothed, armed and fed by their lord

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