History of Medieval England - Thursday 6th Period: Exam 1

[prof-methos.livejournal.com]

Once again, Professor Pierson has catered (literally) to his students by having a layout of culinary delights from Jeff, God of Biscuits on a table in the front of the room. Everything from doughnuts to bagels to muffins to croissants. Coffee and soda provide much-needed caffiene.

Methos himself is sitting at his desk, working on what looks like a photocopy of an ancient manuscript. He's got a modern spiral-bound notebook beside it, but he doesn't appear to be writing in it. Instead, he's flipping ahead in the ancient text, frowning as he reads.

On the board is written:

EXAM 1

Pick three topics and write or handwave 100 words (at least) on each:

- Pre-Roman Britain
- Roman Britain
- Anglo-Saxon Britain
- The Battle of Hastings
- The reign of William the Conqueror

When finished, you may turn in your papers and leave.

NO TALKING.

Comments

Re: TURN IN YOUR ANSWERS: MEH EXAM 1

[notcalledlizzie.livejournal.com]

The Battle of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings was the last time England was successfully invaded and conquered by a foreign army. It brought greater unity and strength to a country which was already wealthy and strong in governmental systems but which was dynastically and territorially insecure.

The battle took all day beginning early in the morning of 14th October 1066 with William's archers firing the first arrows into English ranks. William followed up his plan with an attack by the infantry and then by the cavalry, but Harold's army was stronger than expected and William's army sustained many casualties. The Bretons on the left flank panicked due to their lack of experience, the unexpected strength of Harold's army and the noise and confusion. They failed to keep in line and got ahead of the other two sections on their right. In their panic they began to retreat. Harold's less experienced fighters broke rank when they saw the Bretons retreating and William's army slaughtered them.

William retreated and regrouped. The second and following assaults went according to William's plan and he supported his troops by joining in the charge on horseback. Both sides became more tired as the day wore on and suffered heavy casualties. As the supply of arrows was running low, William ordered the archers to fire them high into the air for the final assault so that they fell into the rear ranks of the English army. This caused high casualties and the collapse of the English shield wall. The Normans penetrated the ranks and killed Harold. With the morale of the English troops shattered by the death of their leader, the battle ended in defeat for the English, although the housecarls and thegns continued to fight to their deaths. Over the following months, William captured Canterbury, Winchester and London. He was crowned king on Christmas Day 1066.