Bayeux Tapestry

Illustration of the
Bayeux Tapestry
The Anglo-Saxons defend the top of a hill, and William must prove to his men that he is still in charge.

Bayeux Tapestry. The Anglo-Saxons defend the top of a hill, and William must prove to his men that he is still in charge.

Previous: The battle rages.
Next: Newly encouraged, the Normans attack viciously.
Back to the Bayeau Tapestry: The Anglo-Saxons defend the top of a hill, and William must prove to his men that he is still in charge.

Referenced in WAR - 005 - M.Harrison, G.Embleton - Anglo-Saxon Thegn AD 449-1066
A group of unarmoured Anglo-Saxons defend the crest of a hill at Hastings against Norman cavalry charges. Older interpretations identify the English troops as 'poorly equipped' ceorls. Though unarmoured, the weapons of these footsoldiers: spears, kite shields and the occasional axe and sword, are much the same as those of the huscarles. The men might be better interpreted as members of the select fyrd, in fact - thegns.