1066: The Battle of Hastings is a graphic novel that retells one of the most important events in England’s history.
1066 is one of the most famous dates in the history of the United Kingdom: the year of the Battle of Hastings. It was a key turning point in the nation’s history, marking the end of the Anglo-Saxon era and the start of the Norman period.
This graphic novel tells the story of what happened before, during and after this iconic battle. Discover all the details surrounding the story, from the mistakes and decisions that meant William of Normandy became the first Norman king of England to how Harold was killed – was it by an arrow in the eye?
It will invite the reader to see the action in its comic-strip panels, and they will learn not only about the events and the key participants on both sides, but also the tactics and weapons the armies employed, and even learn some of the different languages of the time.
Introduction
The Prelude
Harolds coronation
Battle of Stamford Bridge
William lands at Pevensey
Harold races down from the North
The Battle of Hastings
The battle formations, armour and weapons of the Anglo-Saxons and the
Normans
The Normans attack
The Anglo-Saxon flank charges and is routed
Harold goes on the offensive
William rallies his men
Leofwine Harolds brother and battle commander is killed by a Norman
cavalry charge
Gyrth Harolds other brother and battle commander is killed by a Norman
javelin
William launches his final assault
Harold receives a mortal wound
The myth of Harold being killed by an arrow to the eye
The Anglo-Saxons start to flee
The pursuing Norman knights are slaughtered in a swamp
The battle ends and the looting starts
What happened to Harolds body?
The aftermath
14-year-old Anglo-Saxon prince Edgar the Atheling is proclaimed King of
England by the Witan
William marches on London
The Witan submits to William
William is crowned King of England on Christmas Day
Glossary
Stuart Douch is a teacher and artist living in Lancing, West Sussex. He has taught mainly English and history for over 20 years, ten of which he was a headteacher. He and his wife live with their two cats and rabbits. He enjoys singing in a local choir, learning languages including the five non-English languages in this book drawing, and reading literature and history.
