Could You Survive in the Anglo-Saxon Shield Wall? | Battle of Hastings

In this episode of Survive History – released just as the BBC’s King and Conqueror brings 1066 back into the spotlight – presenter Louee Dessent steps into the battered boots of an Anglo-Saxon footsoldier during the legendary Battle of Hastings.

Much like the drama unfolding in the show, Louee’s journey takes him through the pivotal moments of 1066: first clashing with fierce Vikings at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, then racing south to face Duke William of Normandy’s relentless Norman knights.

As part of King Harold’s army, Louee feels the crushing impact of the shield wall – the same desperate defensive tactic shown in King and Conqueror – as huscarls and fyrdmen brace for wave after wave of heavy cavalry. He dives into the chaos of the battlefield, uncovers the brutal realities of 11th-century medicine, and breaks down the key strategic turning points that decided England’s fate.

With authentic costumes, historic locations, and collaboration with expert living history groups, this immersive episode brings the real story of 1066 vividly to life. If King and Conqueror has you hooked, you’ll love this gritty, hands-on exploration of what it truly took to survive one of the most decisive battles in English history.

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00:00 Introduction
02:46 Background to 1066
06:50 The Viking invasion of Harald Hadrada
09:26 The Normans land in England
12:24 The morning of the Battle of Hastings
14:26 King Harold's army
19:33 The battle begins
22:22 Meeting Duke William of Normandy
27:14 The Norman knights charge
28:59 A turning point in the battle
30:35 The feigned retreat
31:54 Treating the wounded in the 11th century
39:45 The shield wall falters
40:49 King Harold's death
41:59 The English retreat
44:24 Could you survive The Battle of Hastings?
45:24 Conclusion