14 October 1066
Archers Open the Battle
William sends archers forward at the opening of the battle before infantry and cavalry attack the English ridge.
Historical place archive
Browse historical events and people recorded at Battle in France. The records below are rendered directly from the World History Database into this page's initial HTML.
William sends archers forward at the opening of the battle before infantry and cavalry attack the English ridge.
Odo is depicted rallying Norman soldiers during the Battle of Hastings as the fighting becomes uncertain.
Commands some of William the Conquerors forces at the Battle of Hastings
Assists his half-brother William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings
Commands some of William the Conquerors forces at the Battle of Hastings
Assists his half-brother William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings
Commands some of William the Conquerors forces at the Battle of Hastings
Odo remains with William's army during the decisive engagement and is shown among the leaders encouraging the troops.
William's cavalry turns on English soldiers who have left the protection of the shield wall during the pursuit.
William's army finally penetrates the weakened English position after prolonged fighting throughout the day.
William combines renewed archery with cavalry attacks during the final phase of the struggle against Harold's line.
William's first attacks fail to break the English shield wall defending the ridge above the battlefield.
William personally commands the Norman centre while allied contingents occupy the flanks of his battle line.
William's troops pursue fleeing English forces after Harold's death ends organised resistance on the battlefield.
William's forces use further withdrawals to draw English fighters downhill and weaken the defensive shield wall.
A rumour that William has been killed spreads during a retreat and threatens the cohesion of the Norman army.
William divides his army into Breton, Norman, and Frankish-Flemish divisions before the Battle of Hastings.
William removes or raises his helmet so retreating troops can see that he remains alive and in command.
Provenance
These entries are generated from stored World History Database records whose country and place fields match France and Battle. Names, dates, event labels and descriptions are reviewed and normalised as the database develops. Historical place names may not match modern administrative boundaries.
This database is a research index. For formal scholarly citation, verify individual claims against appropriate primary, archival, academic or specialist sources.