Could You Survive in the Shield Wall at the Battle of Hastings?

In this episode of Survive History, our presenter Louee Dessent steps into the shoes of an Anglo-Saxon footsoldier during the legendary Battle of Hastings 1066. Follow Louee as he embarks on a journey through time, battling fierce Vikings at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, and then racing south to confront Duke William of Normandy's Norman knights.

As part of King Harold's army, Louee experiences the intensity of the shield wall tactic, where Anglo-Saxon huscarls and fyrdmen braced for heavy cavalry attacks. He delves deep into the chaos of the battle, exploring how soldiers fought, survived, and endured brutal medieval warfare. From tasting the harsh realities of 11th-century medicine to analysing the strategic turning points of the battle, Louee asks the ultimate question: Could he have survived the Battle of Hastings?

Join us for this immersive and historically accurate journey, packed with authentic costumes, epic locations, and collaboration with expert living history groups. Discover the tactics, weapons, and survival skills needed to withstand one of the most pivotal battles in English history.
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#battleofhastings #1066 #militaryhistory
00:00 Introduction
02:46 Background to 1066
06:50 The Viking invasion of Harald Hadrada
09:26 The Normans land in England
12:24 The morning of the Battle of Hastings
14:26 King Harold's army
19:33 The battle begins
22:22 Meeting Duke William of Normandy
27:14 The Norman knights charge
28:59 A turning point in the battle
30:35 The feigned retreat
31:54 Treating the wounded in the 11th century
39:45 The shield wall falters
40:49 King Harold's death
41:59 The English retreat
44:24 Could you survive The Battle of Hastings?
45:24 Conclusion