Norman Conquest

Europe.

Swords would have been used by the elite soldiers of the Normans, Saxons and Vikings in the year of 1066. The quality of a sword would have depended on the status of the warrior due to the expense of making such an item. They are so valuable that a lone figure is depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry collecting swords from the field after the battle had finished.

Europe.

Axes were a very common weapon in Europe at the time of the Norman conquest. This axe head is possibly of Viking origin and has a 19cm long blade. The axe head would be mounted on a long wooden handle, between 1.5 and 2 metres in length. These weapons caused a huge amount of damage due to their weight, blade length and reach. They were also cheap to make and required little training to use to a deadly effect.

Europe.

Spears were very common across Europe in the medieval period as they were cheap and easy to make compared to swords and axes. Their length (between 1.6m and 2.8m/ 5ft 3” and 9ft 3”) ensured they were versatile in their use. Shorter spears (javelins) could be thrown and longer spears (lances) would be used by cavalry to thrust at the enemy whilst charging at speed.

Bayeux Tapestry.

Bishop Odo, WIlliam the Conqueror's half-brother, played a large role in the invasion and conquest of England. Odo is seen here at the Battle of Hastings; holding a wooden club and wearing lamellar armour made from leather. Above is the Latin inscription, stating "Here Odo the Bishop holding a club strengthens the boys". The words suggest that Odo was wielding the club as a symbol of authority, rather than using it as a weapon. Odo may have been the commissioner of the Bayeux Tapestry. 

©Image courtesy of the Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Bayeux Tapestry.

After King Edward the Confessor died on the 5th of January 1066, the witan or witenagemot council declared Harold Godwineson as King Harold II of England. Harold's coronation at Westminster Abbey on the 6th January 1066. Harold was Edward’s brother in law, had experience in government, was well liked and rich; making him a strong claimant to the throne. He is the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. 

©Image courtesy of the Bayeux Tapestry Museum

Bayeux Tapestry.

William, Duke of Normandy believed that Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne of England. William also had the backing of the Pope for his campaign to conquer England. During the Battle of Hastings, rumours began to spread amongst his troops that he was dead. To stop his troops from fleeing, William is seen here raising his helmet and declaring to the battlefield; ‘Look at me! I live, and with God’s help I shall conquer!’. It worked and the Normans went on to win the battle. 

©Image courtesy of the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.

Bayeux Tapestry.

Soldiers fighting on horseback had not been seen in England since the Romans 600 years earlier. Heavily armoured and using lance, sword and shield, the knights could charge into the enemy to strike with speed. But the Saxon shield wall proved too strong to breach. It was only when this protection tactic was broken by the famous cavalry retreat (feigned or otherwise) that the Normans could attack individuals and overcome the English army. Cavalry then became an integral part of British military tactics for the next 850 years. 

©Image courtesy of the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.

Bayeux Tapestry.

This section of the tapestry depicts the archers in the Norman ranks. Only one is wearing armour; possibly depicting that particular archers rank/status. It is believed that the Norman army had about 1000 archers and were the first line of attack in the battle. The Saxon army, however, had much less as only a single archer is visible on the tapestry. Although none are shown in the tapestry, it’s likely that there were also crossbowmen in the Norman army. 

©Image courtesy of the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.

Bayeux Tapestry.

Highly trained and well equipped, the Saxon Hauscarls were the elite fighting warriors of Harold Godwinson’s army. Armour, helmet, shield, axe and a small saex (knife) were the most common pieces of equipment. A sword would also be in their arsenal if they could afford one. Fighting on foot, the Hauscarl worked with fellow warriors to form shield walls and protect the king.

©Image courtesy of the Bayeux Tapestry Museum.