European Medieval Tactics (1) The Fall and Rise of Cavalry 450-1260

King Harold's all-infantry Anglo-Saxon army was drawn up along the hilltop, with his élite of armoured huscarls forming the centre, and the less well-equipped and lessdisciplined fyrd on the flanks. Duke William's Norman cavalry formed the centre of his line, between infantry flanks that were deployed with the most heavily armoured men in front. When not sent forward into action his infantry archers were probably in scattered groups behind his battle-line. The plate represents the moment during the battle when the Breton cavalry on Duke William's left wing either broke in retreat after a failed attack, or used a deliberate ‘feignedflight' tactic. As a result, many undisciplined fyrd elements from the right wing of the Anglo-Saxon line – traditionally the ‘offensive' wing of a medieval army – surged downhill in pursuit. This caused a moment of uncertainty in the Duke's ranks; left-wing Breton infantry gave way in the face of the fyrd charge, and a rumour spread that Duke William had been killed. He snuffed out this panic by riding out in front of his line and showing himself. His left-wing cavalry then wheeled right, to cut the advancing Anglo-Saxons off from their battle-line and destroy them; some of them made a last stand on a small hillock between the armies.

Art from European Medieval Tactics (1), illustrated by Adam Hook.