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William the Conqueror, Battle of Hastings
medieval art prints of medieval history by Cranston Fine Arts The
Battle of Hastings: While King Harold II was defeating the Norse
invasion at the battle of Stamford Bridge in the north, the Norman
invasion led by the Norman Duke William landed in the south. A Norman
force of 7,000 warriors sailed across the English Channel in 450 flat
boats and landed at Pevensey in Sussex on September 28th. The following
two weeks saw the Norman army organising and raiding the local area for
supplies. On hearing of the invasion, King Harold marched south from York
to London, a distance of 200 miles, in seven days. And on October 13th
with his army of 7,000 men took up position on Senlac Hill, 8 miles north
of Hastings. Harold took this position as this was the direct route for
London. The following day, the Normans attacked the village (which is now
the town of Battle). The Battle of Hastings was a battle between King
Harold's infantry and the Norman cavalry and archers. The Saxon line threw
back the first charge of Norman knights and as the knights began retiring,
the Saxons began to pursue the cavalry but a counter attack by Williams
disciplined knights cut down the Saxon infantry. King Harold reformed his
line before the second Norman cavalry attack was launched. For many hours
King Harold's Saxon infantry held their ground against the repeated
cavalry charges, both sides suffered heavy losses. As the evening
progressed the battle turned the Norman's way, William feigned a
withdrawal of his cavalry, the Saxon infantry again could not resist to
break ranks and pursue the cavalry. Halfway down the hill William's
knights turned and charged the Saxon infantry. King Harold at this time
was mortally wounded from an arrow in the eye and the victory was won by
the Normans. Each side lost a quarter of their men and during the fighting
William the Conqueror had three horses killed under him. Later he ordered
the building of Battle Abbey on the battlefield. The way was clear to
London and William the Conqueror was crowned King of England on Christmas
day at Westminster Abbey.
Battle of Hastings by Tom Lovell
"Stand Fast! Stand Fast!" shouts Bishop
Odo,.. "Fear nothing,
for if God please, we shall conquer yet." "So they took courage,
" wrote 12th century chronicler Master Wace. "He...sat on a
white horse, so that all might recognize him. In his hand he held a mace,
and wherever he saw most need he...Stationed the knights, and often urged
them on to assault...the enemy."
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Battle of Hastings Chess Set

These chess pieces represent the two opposing armies in the most
famous battle ever fought on English soil. The white pieces portray
Harold, King of England, leading his forces into battle against William,
Duke of Normandy. The ensuing battle, fought just inland from Hastings on
the south coast of England in October 1066, altered the course of English
history.
Figures made of ornamental resin.
Hastings chess pieces order number A157, price £100
($176)
Chess board in American walnut and sycamore 2"
squares order number H401, price £44 b($80
Chess set Shipping to UK £8.
Europe £35 Rest of the world £45 ($80)
Height of chess pieces - King height 4½" |
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