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Homework task 1 focuses on conducting research. Open the file to follow the instructions.

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Homework task 2 is a worksheet focused on how William took control after the Battle of Hastings.

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Homework task 3 is a revision activity to review the information covered in the unit.

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BBC Bitesize - Claimants to the throne in 1066

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BBC Bitesize - Claimants to the throne in 1066

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Information on the situation in 1066 on the BBC Bitesize website.

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Claimants to the throne - The Norman Conquest - KS3 History - homework help for year 7, 8 and 9.

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Learn about the four claimants to the throne after Edward the Confessor’s death in 1066. For students between the ages of 11 and 14.

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Information on the Battle of Hastings on the BBC Bitesize website.

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Harold Godwinson had defeated Harold Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066. For more on the claimants to the throne in 1066, read this guide .

Three days later, William of Normandy invaded England, seeking to claim the throne.

William and Harold fought at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October.

William was victorious and was crowned King of England on Christmas Day, 1066.

The two sides:

Fighting experience

Harold's army had a mix of fighting experience. The fyrd were part-time soldiers who were called up to fight when needed. They had little training and were not well armed, often using farming tools for weapons. The housecarls were well-trained, professional soldiers.

It is believed that William's army had more fighting experience overall.

It is believed Harold had between 7,000 and 8,000 soldiers at Hastings.

Most historians think William's army was also between 7,000 and 8,000 soldiers.

Harold's army were tired from just defeating Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge.

William's army were well-rested and ready for battle.

William had the stronger army. His men were well-rested, better trained, and generally had more experience in battle. He also had a wider range of soldiers available, with archers and cavalry.

The events of the battle

The Battle of Hastings began at 9am on 14 October 1066. Harold's army was lined up at the top of Senlac Hill, forming a shield wall facing down against William's army. At the start of the battle, William's archers fired their arrows up towards Harold's army but were struggling to break through the shield wall.

William's cavalry then tried to charge up the hill, but they also could not break past the defensive line and were beaten back by Harold's men.

A rumour spread through the Norman army that William had been killed, but he lifted his helmet and rode past his troops to show them he was still alive.

Harold's position was looking strong, but William ordered his soldiers to advance part way up the hill and then pretend to retreat. This was hugely effective. Harold's army lost their discipline and started charging down the hill, losing their strong defensive position. William's cavalry were able to get amongst the English army and cause huge damage, as Harold's army had lost the protection of the shield wall and their defensive position at the top of the hill.

There is some uncertainty as to how Harold Godwinson died. The has the words 'Harold is killed' next to a man with an arrow in his eye, but it is impossible to know which soldier is Harold because all of the English soldiers are dressed identically.

Harold's remaining soldiers lost motivation when news of his death spread across the battlefield. Some fled, and the ones who stayed to fight were left with little hope.

: Harold's army had to march north to fight Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge, before turning back to march to the south to face William at Hastings. Many of the English army had been killed and the those who were left would have been extremely tired.

: William's army pretended to retreat, tempting Harold's army into losing their strong defensive position to run after them. William's army was then able to turn round and attack Harold's weakened position.

Army strength : William had a greater range of soldiers for the battle. As well as foot soldiers, he had a cavalry and more skilled archers. This gave his side a big advantage in the range of tactics and attacks they could carry out.

Leadership : William was on horseback and had an overview of the whole battlefield. When a rumour went round his army that he had been killed, he lifted his helmet to show them he was still alive. In contrast, Harold was on foot and was unable to stop his army losing their discipline and chasing down Senlac Hill after William's retreating soldiers.

Some historians have argued that Harold could have waited longer before advancing to Hastings to fight William. This would have given his tired army longer to rest and also gather more soldiers.

A key turning point in the battle itself was when the fyrd started chasing William's army down the hill. If they had maintained their strong position at the stop of Senlac Hill, along with the strong shield wall, it is possible the battle could have turned out differently.

The Bayeux Tapestry was produced by the Normans following William's conquest. Its origins are not known for certain, but some historians believe it was arranged by William's half-brother, Odo, and sewn by English women.

The tapestry is 70 metres long and gives an account of events from 1064 - 1066. Although the tapestry was made almost 1,000 years ago, historians still debate about who made it, why it was created and how it presents the events of 1064 - 1066.

It could be assumed that because Harold was defeated at the Battle of Hastings, he would be presented negatively by the victorious Normans in the Bayeux Tapestry. Instead, the tapestry is surprisingly kind towards Harold, showing him as a good fighter and worthy opponent.

Historians believe the Normans organised the making of the tapestry, but it doesn't overtly celebrate their victory. Historians have suggested this is because the Normans didn't want to anger the English people they were now ruling over.

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Harold Godwinson had defeated Harold Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066. For more on the claimants to the throne in 1066, read this guide . Three days later, William of Normandy invaded England, seeking to claim the throne. William and Harold fought at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October.

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A helpful set of videos to support your understanding of the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest.

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The Norman Conquest is a six-part animated series that explores the key events of the battle for the throne in 1066 and how William the Conqueror secured power.

These short animated films might be suitable for teaching Key Stage 2 (teacher review is recommended prior to use in class), up to Key Stage 3, GCSE and National 4 and 5.

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KS2 / KS3 / KS4 / GCSE History: 1066 and the Norman Conquest

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The story of the Norman Conquest told across a six-part animated series that explores the key events of the battle for the throne in 1066 and how William the Conqueror secured power. Suitable for teaching Key Stage 3 and GCSE.