The Anglo-Saxon Army

Housecarls

Housecarls were professional elite soldiers.

They wore:

• Chainmail armour
• Helmets
• Carried large shields

Their main weapon was the deadly Danish axe.

These axes could cut through shields and armour.

The Fyrd

The fyrd was made up of ordinary peasants and farmers.

They were called up to fight when needed.

Many had limited training.

They usually fought with:

• Spears
• Axes
• Knives
• Simple shields

Anglo-Saxon Tactics

The English mainly fought on foot.

Their most important tactic was the shield wall.

What Was the Shield Wall?

Soldiers stood side-by-side with shields locked together.

This created a strong defensive barrier.

Enemy soldiers found it difficult to break through.

The Norman Army

William’s army was more varied and flexible.

It included:

• Archers
• Infantry soldiers
• Cavalry

Archers

Norman archers used bows to fire arrows at the enemy from a distance.

Infantry

Infantry fought on foot using swords and spears.

Cavalry

Norman cavalry were soldiers on horseback.

This gave William an important advantage.

Cavalry could:

• Move quickly
• Charge enemy lines
• Chase fleeing soldiers
• Attack weak points

The Anglo-Saxons had almost no cavalry.