Medieval battles

From the Norman Conquest and the battle of Hastings to the Crusades; the Hundred Years’ War; the Wars of the Roses and the battle of Bosworth, the Middle Ages were plagued by bloody battles and violent sieges. Here we explore the biggest, bloodiest and most significant medieval battles, as well as overlooked clashes such as the battle of Tours, Hattin and Sandwich…

This 19th-century illustration depicts Harold Godwinson swearing fealty to William of Normandy

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The Bayeux Tapestry: what is it, why was it made and what story does it tell?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Composite image of Norwegian footballer Erling Haaland wearing a Viking helmet and the Norway national team shirt, standing with his hands on his hips against an illustrated background of Viking longships filled with oarsmen. The image links Haaland and Norway’s modern 'Viking row' football celebration with historical depictions of Viking seafarers.

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A scene from the Bayeux Tapestry showing soldiers crossing the Channel in a large sailing ship, with shields lining the sides of the vessel. Other ships are visible nearby, while animals and decorative motifs appear in the border below.

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Two figures cut out from the Bayeux Tapestry and digitally rearranged, with one appearing to use an oversized needle and thread to embroider a mounted warrior below. The collage places the figures against a blank section of linen bordered by sections of the original tapestry.

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Just how many Bayeux Tapestries were there?. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

A pair of swords in a cross shape, on top of an orange background that features warriors fighting on horses

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The assassins' reign of terror: how these 12th-century killers spread fear in the Middle East. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

A colourful illustration inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, showing women embroidering scenes of medieval warriors, archers and a mounted knight onto a large piece of fabric. The tapestry is draped over a tree-stump table, with balls of coloured wool scattered around it.

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Michael Wood on women’s contributions to the Bayeux Tapestry. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

A black and white photograph shows two men standing with their faces very close together. They both have serious expressions on their faces and are staring down the lens of the camera. Across the bottom are the words KING & CONQUEROR

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The wrong moustache in the Battle of Hastings. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

King James III of Scotland (Photo by Hi-Story/Alamy Stock Photo)

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England’s forgotten medieval hero: how John, Duke of Bedford carried on Henry V's fight. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

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“The reverberations lasted for generations” | Matthew Gabriele and David M Perry on the civil war of Charlemagne's grandsons. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Kingdom Come Deliverance: Two medieval soldiers figthing

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Robert the Bruce addresses his troops ahead of Bannockburn in a 20th-century engraving.

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Illustration by Laurie Avon

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Medieval warfare: five deceptive ways to win a battle. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

This statue of Alfred the Great stands in Winchester, the former 'capital' of his kingdom (Photo by TonyBaggett via Getty Images)

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Image of Empress Matilda

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Richard the Lionheart and Saladin in mounted combat

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Sketch of the battle of Blore Heath, howing the final disastrous charge of the Lancastrians

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Watercolor Painting Depicting Battle of Agincourt (Photo by © Historical Picture Archive/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

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A portrait of Henry VII, the first Tudor king of England, by Michiel Sittow. (Photo by Universal History Archive/Getty Images)

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Richard I on a Chertsey tile

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Coronation of King Edward III. (Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)

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Entrance to Lincoln Castle. (Dreamstime)

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Lincoln: the battle that gave birth to medieval England. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

Portrait of Sarah Gristwood for BBC History Magazine

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History explorer: Tewkesbury Abbey and four more places linked to the Wars of the Roses. This is a premium piece of content available to subscribed users.

The battle of Towton during the War of the Roses, 1461. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

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