The Battle of Hastings Book Review

The Fall of Anglo-Saxon England – by Harriet Harvey Wood

Nov 3, 2008

A fascinating account of the Battle of Hastings and its two most important opponents; William of Normandy and King Harold of England.

The Battle of Hastings in the year 1066 is one of the best known dates in English history. Although most people are aware that William of Normandy fought King Harold of England, the author of this book believes that there are some serious misconceptions about the battle and its outcome.

King Harold of England

The book begins with a look at the political situation in England during the years leading up to the Norman conquest of 1066. The author shows an England which was thriving, despite questions about who should lead the country and unite its people.

King Harold is shown as a strong and powerful king, well used to leading his troops into battle, rather than the weak man of popular myth who was killed by an arrow in the eye.

Harold had been brought up in the area where the Battle of Hastings took place and knew the ground well. He had the choice of where to position his troops, on ground he was familiar with and yet, explains Harvey Wood, may have made several incorrect tactical decisions which cost him the battle and his life.

William of Normandy, Conqueror of England

The author clearly discusses the contenders for the throne of England following the death of King Edward in January 1066. William is shown to have been a strong contender, but only one of a group of men with a claim on the throne.

King Harold spent the weeks leading up to the Battle of Hastings defending his throne from various threats and invasions and rode to the battle straight from a hard fight with his men at Stamford, in the north of England. The physical and mental weariness of Harold and his army is sure to have affected his chances at Hastings, believes Harvey Wood.

The Battle of Hastings, 1066

Harriet Harvey Wood gives an informative and exciting account of the lead up to the Battle of Hastings and assesses the battle itself, using both primary and secondary source material. She further livens her account by imagining how both men must have felt, sizing up their opponent’s fighting style and strengths and weaknesses.

That King Harold lost the battle, believes the author, was down to sheer bad luck and had Harold continued to rule, he would have enjoyed a reign in a ‘long-established and highly developed civilization’, one which was already far ahead of the rest of Europe at the dawn of the new millennium.

Conclusion

This is an enjoyable and thought-provoking account of the years surrounding the last successful invasion of England in 1066. Harriet Harvey Wood writes in a clear and persuasive style and whether or not the reader agrees with her view that the Norman invasion was not entirely positive for England, the questions which she poses are relevant and interesting. An excellent account of a real turning point in English medieval history.

Publication Details

The copyright of the article The Battle of Hastings Book Review in High Middle Ages is owned by Rachel Bellerby. Permission to republish The Battle of Hastings Book Review in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.