14 October 1066

The two armies met near Hastings.

Harold’s army took position on top of Senlac Hill.

This gave the English an advantage because attacking uphill was difficult.

The English formed a shield wall.

William’s army waited below.

The Beginning of the Battle

William began the attack with archers.

However, many arrows bounced off English shields.

Next came the infantry attack.

The Norman soldiers struggled to break the shield wall.

Then William sent in the cavalry.

Again, the English held firm.

For much of the morning, the battle appeared evenly matched.

The Norman Retreat

At one point, part of the Norman army began to retreat.

Some English soldiers chased after them.

This was a mistake.

William’s cavalry turned and attacked the pursuing English soldiers.

The English line became weaker.

Some historians believe William then used fake retreats on purpose to lure English soldiers away from the shield wall.

The Death of Harold

Late in the battle, Harold was killed.

According to legend, he was shot in the eye with an arrow.

Other historians believe he may have been cut down by Norman knights.

Once Harold died, the English army began to collapse.

Without their king, many soldiers fled.

William had won.