The Normans

20th September 1066

Defenders:

• Anglo-Saxon Earls
• Edwin & Morcar
• Approximatly 3500 soldiers (English Northern Army)

Attackers;

• Harald Hardrada - Norweign King
• Tostig Godwinson - Harold Godwinson's Younger Brother
• 7000 Viking Soldiers

Outcome:

• Harald & Tostig won
• Northern Army disorganised and scattered.
• Edwin & Morcar forced to flee.
• Both sides suffered losses.

25th September 1066

Defenders:

• Anglo-Saxons
• King Harold & Private Army - Marched 190 miles north in 4 days from south to north to deal with the invasion.

Attackers:

• Harald Hardrada - King of Norway
• Remaining Viking soldiers from Fulford Gate
• Tostig Godwinson - Harold Godwinsons Younger Brother

Outcome:

• Long & bloody battle.
• Anglo-Saxons had the Element of Surprise.
• Vikings didn't defend the bridge properly.
• Harald Hardrada and Tostig killed.
• King Harold wins.
• King Harold allows the defeated Vikings to go back to Norway.

14th October 1066

Defenders:

• Harold Godwinson - Exhausted
• Godwinson's Army - Around 7000
• Both Godwinson and his Army had a 250 mile march south from Stamford - both exhausted.

Attackers:

• William Duke of Normandy
• William's forces
• Papel banner - God

Outcome:

• Harold Godwinson killed - Arrow in the eye.
• Heavy casualties.
• Battlefield saturated with blood.
• British left to rot.
• Harold only Englishman buried.

• Castles were essentially built to keep control.
• Castles symbolised suppression of the English as they placed the Normans physically higher than the English.
• They were large imposing buildings built to bully, intimidate and administrate the local area.
• To prevent rebellions along the borders such as Wales and Scotland.
• Visible distinction between ruler and ruled.
• Base for offensive patrols in the surrounding area.
• Nobility built castles to protect themselves from hostile locals.