Year 7 Battle Of Hastings Storyboard

The Battle of Hastings is one of the most important events in British history. For Year 7 students, learning about this battle through a storyboard helps make the event memorable and easy to understand. A storyboard allows students to break the battle down into clear scenes, showing the main events, key characters, and important outcomes. In this topic, we will guide you through the Year 7 Battle of Hastings storyboard, using simple language and clear examples.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Battle of Hastings

The Battle of Hastings took place on October 14, 1066. It was a fight for the English crown between King Harold Godwinson of England and William, Duke of Normandy. This battle changed the future of England forever. In your Year 7 history lessons, you’ll learn about the causes, key moments, and results of the battle. Creating a storyboard helps you remember each part of this exciting story.

Why Create a Storyboard?

A storyboard is a series of images or boxes that show a story step by step. For the Battle of Hastings, it can help you:

Understand the timeline of events
Identify key characters and their roles
Visualize how the battle unfolded
Remember the cause and consequence of each stage

Key Vocabulary for Year 7 Battle of Hastings Storyboard

Normans: People from Normandy in France, led by William the Conqueror.
Saxons: The English people led by King Harold.
Shield Wall: A military defense tactic used by the Saxons.
Archers: Soldiers who use bows and arrows, used heavily by the Normans.
Cavalry: Soldiers on horseback, part of the Norman army.

The Storyboard: Scene by Scene

Scene 1: The Death of King Edward the Confessor

The story begins with the death of King Edward in January 1066. Edward had no children, and several men claimed the throne. The three main claimants were:

Harold Godwinson, chosen by the English nobles.
William of Normandy, who said Edward promised him the throne.
Harald Hardrada of Norway, who also claimed the throne.

Your storyboard should show Edward’s deathbed, with these three men thinking about becoming king.

Scene 2: The Battle of Stamford Bridge

Before facing William, Harold had to fight Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in September 1066. Harold’s army defeated the Norwegians, but they were tired from battle and had to march south quickly. In your storyboard, draw Harold’s army victorious but exhausted after the battle, knowing they still had to face William.

Scene 3: William Lands at Pevensey

William landed in England at Pevensey Bay with around 7,000 soldiers. He was well-prepared with cavalry, archers, and foot soldiers. In your storyboard, show William and his army landing on the coast, setting up camp, and preparing for battle.

Scene 4: Harold’s Long March South

Harold’s army marched 250 miles from the north of England to meet William’s forces near Hastings. This journey was long and exhausting. In your storyboard, show Harold and his men walking through difficult terrain, tired but determined to protect their kingdom.

Scene 5: The Saxon Shield Wall

On October 14, 1066, Harold’s army set up a strong shield wall at the top of Senlac Hill. This wall was very difficult to break. In your storyboard, draw Harold’s men standing firm, holding their shields tightly together to block the Norman attacks.

Scene 6: The Norman Attacks

William ordered several attacks, but the shield wall held strong. His archers shot arrows, and his cavalry charged, but the Saxons did not break. In your storyboard, show the Norman soldiers trying to break through and the Saxons defending bravely.

Scene 7: The Feigned Retreat

One of the clever tactics used by William was the feigned retreat. His soldiers pretended to run away, and some of Harold’s men broke formation to chase them. This left gaps in the shield wall. In your storyboard, show the Normans pretending to flee and Saxon soldiers leaving their positions.

Scene 8: The Final Attack and Harold’s Death

With the shield wall broken, the Normans attacked fiercely. According to legend, Harold was killed by an arrow in his eye. In your storyboard, show this dramatic moment – Harold falling in battle, and the Norman army gaining control.

Scene 9: William Becomes King of England

After Harold’s death, the battle was over. William became known as William the Conqueror and was crowned King of England on Christmas Day, 1066. In your storyboard, show William in triumph, being crowned king in Westminster Abbey.

Important Characters for Your Storyboard

King Edward the Confessor: The king who died without an heir.
Harold Godwinson: The last Saxon king of England.
William of Normandy: The leader of the Normans who became king.
Harald Hardrada: The Norwegian king defeated at Stamford Bridge.

Key Themes to Include in Your Storyboard

Power Struggle: Different leaders fighting for the crown.
Loyalty and Betrayal: Harold’s men leaving the shield wall.
Strategy: William’s clever feigned retreat.
Bravery: Both sides fought fiercely for what they believed in.

Fun Facts for Your Year 7 Battle of Hastings Storyboard

The battle lasted all day from morning until evening.
The famous arrow-in-the-eye story is shown on the Bayeux Tapestry.
William built castles after the battle to keep control of England.
The battle changed the English language, bringing many Norman French words into everyday use.

Tips for Drawing Your Storyboard

Keep each scene simple but clear. Focus on one key event in each box.
Label each part. Use captions under each scene to explain what is happening.
Show emotions. Draw faces to show fear, bravery, exhaustion, or triumph.
Use arrows or lines to show movement in battle scenes.
Include dialogue bubbles to show what the characters might be saying or thinking.

Creating a Year 7 Battle of Hastings storyboard is a fantastic way to learn and remember this important historical event. Breaking the story into clear scenes helps you understand the timeline, the key people, and the strategies used during the battle. From Edward the Confessor’s death to William’s coronation, each part of the story teaches valuable lessons about leadership, courage, and the power of strategy. Whether for class projects or revision, a detailed storyboard will help bring history to life in a creative and engaging way.