Common Misconceptions

Misconception 1: "Harold was killed by an arrow in the eye"

This is not proven. The Bayeux Tapestry (embroidered c.1070-80) does appear to show a figure with an arrow near the eye labelled "Harold Rex" — but scholars have long debated whether this is Harold or a nearby figure. The earliest written sources describe Harold killed by a sword blow, not an arrow. The "arrow in the eye" version became popular in later medieval accounts but is not established historical fact. In your exam, you can refer to Harold being killed — but avoid stating the arrow story as certain fact.

Misconception 2: "William won simply because he had a better army"

While Norman cavalry and tactical flexibility were important, Harold's shield wall held for most of the day — Norman cavalry charges failed repeatedly. The outcome was not inevitable. Harold's decision to march south before resting his exhausted army after Stamford Bridge, his refusal to wait at London for reinforcements, and the breaking of the shield wall (feigned retreat or accidental pursuit) were all crucial. Many historians argue that a rested English army fighting on its own terms could well have held the shield wall indefinitely.

Misconception 3: "The Norman Conquest was complete after Hastings"

Wrong. Harold's death at Hastings removed the immediate leadership, but English resistance continued for years. There were rebellions in 1067, 1068, 1069, and 1070. The Harrying of the North (1069-70) was William's response to a major northern rebellion — its brutality shows how far from complete the conquest still was four years after Hastings. Full Norman control was not established until the early 1070s at the earliest.