x The Normans deployed on the low ground within about 200 meters
of the English shield wall. In front was a thin screen of archers and
crossbowmen, then a block of infantry, and the cavalry in the rear.
William, like Harold, placed himself in the center, just behind the
main lines.
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English front row would merely have raised their shields until the
barrage was over.
x William next ordered a general advance, and his line attacked the
English shield wall. There was bitter close combat all along the line,
with the English hacking with swords and axes while the Normans
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x Having been ordered to support the infantry, the Norman horsemen
could not gain much momentum, but their role was to exploit
holes in the enemy formation made by their infantry. Despite this
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attempts to penetrate it.
x The Norman left began to retreat down the slope. Some of the
English fyrdmen, believing the enemy was routed, surged forward
in pursuit. This was dangerous, exposing the center to a potential
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the ranks that William had been killed.
x Here was the crisis point of the battle: William’s army was now
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quickly and decisively.
o William either removed his helmet or pushed it back so that his
face was clearly visible, and his men could see that he still lived.
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