Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

Fighting on and from horseback was not an English or Anglo-Saxon skill. It is said that, as a rare exception, Harold's men rode into action against Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066, but it may simply be that they stayed mounted until at close quarters before attacking on foot. The Norman knight, on the other hand, had a considerable stable in order to be able to fight mounted. He would make journeys on a riding horse, accompanied by a pack-horse to carry his baggage and equipment and by his war horse or destrier. Stallions were used as destriers because they possessed the aggressive qualities required for battle.The couched lance, tucked under the arm and pointing straight forward, was not used until the late 11th century. William's cavalry carried swords and spears, the latter shown by the Bayeux Tapestry to have been used overarm, either thrown or thrust downwards over the enemy's shield in order the break the shield wall which would itself have been bristling with spears.

You can find out more about Norman cavalry in the following Osprey books:
Campaign 13 Hastings 1066 pages 22-24
Men-at-Arms 85 Saxon, Viking and Norman pages 33-36
Warrior 1 Norman Knight pages 23-30
Warrior 5 Anglo-Saxon Thegn 449-1066 AD page 12

See also: Anglo-Saxon; Bayeux Tapestry; destrier; Harold Godwinsson; Harald Hardrada; Norman; Stamford Bridge

Related Reading:

• Saxon Viking Norman (Men-at-Arms 85)
• Anglo Saxon Thegn (Warrior 5)
• Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition)- The Fall of Saxon England
  (Campaign 13 )
• Norman Knight AD 950-1204
  (Warrior 1)