Harald Hardraada fought with Harold Godwineson in the Battle of Stanford Bridge on 25th September 1066. After Harold won the Battle of Stanford Bridge, William (Duke of Normandy) landed in England. Harold was exhausted after the battle and he lost a lot of his good men. London was the capital of England. He did not want William to take this important city. He had no choice, but to march his soldiers to London.
William’s soldiers were stronger than the Saxons’ soldiers. They were well trained, fully equipped with horses, bows and arrows. On the other hand, Harold’s solders were part time soldiers who were farmers. Harold was badly prepared for the battle, and a lot of his soldiers were exhausted after the long march. William spent months preparing for the invasion in a secure position. He got the right time, right place and men who were healthy and strong.
Harold rushed south and camped at the top of Senlac Hill, about 5 miles from Hastings. On 14th October 1066, the Normans began forming a battle line at the bottom of the hill. The two armies were roughly the same size. When the Battle of Hastings started, William ordered his archers to fire at the Saxon shield wall. The Norman cavalry attacked. The shield wall was strong, and the Normans suffered heavy casualties. There was fierce fighting on both sides. Again and again, the Normans attacked the Saxon shield wall. Around midday, William thought of a trick. His army pretended to retreat and let the Saxons ran after them so that the shield wall would break.
The trick worked and Harold was killed. William won the Battle of Hastings, because of his luck, his skilful army and his trick.
