Trial by Combat for the English Throne: Assessing King Harold Godwineson During the Norwegian and Norman Invasions of 1066

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

 

Captain Duman, Robert E.

M.A. Thesis (History), University of Nebraska at Lincoln, May 1 (2002)

Abstract

In 1066, Duke William of Normandy defeated England’s King Harold Godwineson at the Battle of Hastings, and Harold received an unjustified label as a poor military commander. However, analyzing the military background of Harold and his opponents in 1066, William and King Harald Haroraoi of Norway, demonstrates that he was a capable military leader. The English, Norwegians, and the Normans had similar army recruitment policies and weapons, but had some differences that affected their strategies and tactics. The Norwegians relied on raids, using their ships for strategic mobility, and the Normans had a strongpoint strategy implementing castles and cavalry. Harold Godwineson, Haraldr Haroraoi, and William used their military systems to establish themselves in their territories and achieve their political agendas. Harold Godwineson’s ability to protect England while an earl led King Edward and the English magnates to select him as the next king. Harald Haroraoi served as a mercenary in Kiev and Constantinople before returning to rule Norway. William continually fought other Frenh magnates to keep his position as Duke of Normandy. In 1066, Harold Godwineson marched his army from London to York in a few days to surprise and decisively defeat Haraldr Haroraoi at Stamford Bridge. He led another march to southern England, meeting the Normans near Hastings. Harold utilized the terrain to his infantry’s advantage, while William tried to penetrate the formation with archers and cavalry.