The Normans in Britain

by Mandy Barrow

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Who died with an arrow in his eye?

According to legend, Harold Godwinson was killed by an arrow in his eye. The legend of Harold being hit in the eye comes from the Bayeux Tapestry, which shows Harold's death.

It is not certain how Harold died. The Bayeux Tapestry shows a soldier with an arrow near his eye but the soldier does not appear to be wounded as he is standing up. If he had been killed it would have shown him falling to the ground. This is the reason why most people now think that Harold is the man on the right with the battle axe. He has been struck down by a blow from the Norman knight on horseback. It seems more likely that Harold was killed by a blow from a sword.

Above the picture are the latin words HIC HAROLD REX INTERFECTUS EST, which means HERE KING HAROLD HAS BEEN KILLED.

(The Bayeux Tapestry is a cartoon-type picture story of the Battle of Hastings - The Norman's Invasion of England, in 1066)

If the tapestry has got the events right, after the Norman's fired their arrows, they charged with their Cavarly, and Harold and his men were defeated.

Contents

The Norman Invasion of England - introduction

Meet the four claimants to the English throne (includes family tree)

The battle of Stamford Bridge

Who was the leader of the Normans?

Who were the Normans? Houses, clothes, food

Where did William fight Harold for the English Throne?
The Battle of Hastings

What happened at the Battle of Hastings?

Who died with an arrow in his eye?

William becomes King - plus Domesday Book info

The Bayeux Tapestry - introduction

What is the Bayeux Tapestry about?

Questions and answers about the Bayeux Tapestry Part one

Questions and answers about the Bayeux Tapestry Part two

Horses | Armour | Shields | Helmets | Weapons

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