Battle of Hastings
The Battle of Hastings marked a turning point in English History. This battle dictated who became the next King of England since the previous King (Edward) left no heirs. The contenders hoping to claim the throne ;
After King Edwards death, Harold was immediately crowned King of England. Messages soon came from Normandy expressing Williams anger. Harold in outrage, assembled an army and waited for William ships on the south cliffs to hold his throne. William did not appear. William and his army were stranded on the seas waiting for the winds to blow them north to England. Without sightings of William, Harold dismissed his army.
The Battle was later fought in two parts:
Battle at Stamford Bridge:
Just as Harold settled back, news came that Harald Harada and his army (Vikings) had landed north of England in Yorkshire with the intentio to capture the valuable city of York. Harold and his army of 7000, moved north to meet his rival. Once they reached York, the Vikings had moved on into the fields to rest near the Bridge of Stamford. Harold and his army quietly surprise attacked the Vikings killing the majority of the army, including Harald Harada.
Battle of Hastings:
While the English celebrated victory, news came from the south that William arrived. Harold quickly travelled to meet William. Unfortunately many of his finest soldiers were left in the north, either wounded or killed in the previous battle. Harold managed to gain soldiers on the journey boosting his army to an inexperienced 7000. Harold finally met William the Battle of Hastings began.
William ordered his archers to fire arrows at the English then sent forth his Calvary however the English solders held a strong wall of shields.
In one final urge for victory, William sent forth his Calvary, foot soldiers and rains of fiery arrows. Finally the tired English’s shield wall broke and tragically many of the English army including Harold were killed.
This marked the end of the brutal and history changing Battle of Hastings. William of Normandy then heroically became King of England.