The battle of Hastings occurred at 14, October, 1066. Harold had little more than 5,000 men, all weary and footsore. William had over 15,000 men, all primed and ready for battle. Harold had no choice but to battle a defensive instead of an offensive battle. He had all the shields placed in a vaulted English shield wall, where his men could stand behind while the Normans tired trying to break it. The Normans could not break the wall. Soon after that, a rumour spread about Duke William had been killed. After showing his troops that he was alive, they attacked with fierce force. The English wall broke and the Normans were able to start killing King Harold’s men.
