1. Norman Army:
- Led by William, Duke of Normandy, also known as William the Conqueror.
- Highly disciplined and well-organized force.
- Comprised heavily armored knights, cavalry, and skilled archers.
- Employing the motte-and-bailey castle architecture, offering strategic defensive and offensive capabilities.
- Archers played a crucial role in weakening the Saxon shield wall before the cavalry charged.
2. Anglo-Saxon Army:
- King Harold Godwinson led a diverse army of noblemen, warriors, and militia from various parts of England.
- Relied heavily on infantry, mainly formed by the fyrd—a militia raised from among the peasantry.
- Notable strengths included a formidable shield wall formation that provided excellent defensive protection.
- Lacked effective ranged weaponry comparable to the Norman archers.
The nature of the two armies highlights significant differences in military organization, tactics, and weaponry. The Anglo-Saxons were disadvantaged by the absence of cavalry and effective ranged options. In contrast, the Norman army's disciplined tactics, cavalry mobility, and utilization of archers as an integral part of their strategy proved crucial in overcoming the Anglo-Saxon defensive shield wall and securing victory.