Hastings

Battle of, in English history, the decisive battle of the Norman Conquest. William the Conqueror landed on the southern coast of England and marched slowly toward London. Harold hurried southward and posted his men across the road at an advantageous point on the Hill of Senlac, seven miles from the town of Hastings. Harold's forces consisted largely of foot soldiers and men-at-arms. He fortified his post by a stockade and a ditch. William had a considerable number of cavalry and a fine body of archers. The battle took place October 14, 1066. According to popular account, now somewhat discredited, the first blow was struck by a Norman minstrel who rode out gayly in advance of William's forces. Throwing up his sword and catching it deftly by the hilt as it fell, all the while singing the song of Roland, he was the first man to fall. During the day William charged Harold's position again and again without being able to effect a passage. The sturdy Englishmen hewed and hacked, shouting "Out! Out!" Toward evening, so the account runs, a band of William's forces made a feigned retreat, as though stricken with terror. Contrary to orders, one wing of Harold's troops rushed down into the plain to follow up their supposed advantage. Here they were cut to pieces by William's cavalry, which followed up its success by attacking Harold's position from the exposed side. Harold's men protected themselves so effectively against the flight of arrows by means of their shields that William directed his bowmen to let fly their shafts almost directly upward, so that they might descend very nearly perpendicularly. This they did, creating great havoc. One of these arrows struck Harold in the eye wounding him mortally. William's success was complete. He conducted his march upon London with all leisure, meeting no further opposition. The contest is by many called the Battle of Senlac, from the hill on which it was fought. See Harold; Norman Conquest; William