Battle of Hastings

Duke William ~ King of the Normans..promised throne by Edward the Confessor & Church

Harold ~ King of England took throne after Edward the Confessor died in January & on deathbed gave to Harold. He became King on January 5, 1066.

Duke William ~ Ruler of Normans

King Harold ~ Saxons

FyrdLocal Lord to supply

men

50% of the men’s population

men brought own weapons...pitch forks,

axes, etc.only had to serve the king

for 30 days with 2 months

recuperation

The Fyrd system worked well

but always left one month unsupported!!!

Crossbows...may have been used at the Battle of Hastings by William’s forces