Lesson Plan: The Hastings Anomaly - Meddling with a Pivotal Moment

Materials Needed

• A device with internet access
• Access to Cecilia Holland's short story, 'Repulse at Hastings, October 14, 1066' (can be found in collections of alternate history)
• Access to the classic Doctor Who serial 'The Time Meddler' (specifically, a clip of the Monk revealing his plan for the battle; clips are available on YouTube)
• A digital or physical notebook for writing and brainstorming
• Art supplies (paper, pens, colored pencils) if choosing a creative art option for the final project
• Link to a high-resolution, scrollable version of the Bayeux Tapestry (e.g., the official Bayeux Museum site or Reading Museum's version)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Analyze how a single historical event (the Battle of Hastings) is portrayed across different media: historical artifact, alternate history fiction, and science fiction television.
• Evaluate the concept of a "pivotal moment" and articulate why the Battle of Hastings is considered one.
• Create a unique piece of alternate history, demonstrating an understanding of historical cause and effect.
• Synthesize details from the Bayeux Tapestry, Holland's story, and Doctor Who to support your own creative narrative.

Lesson Activities

Part 1: The Historical Record - The Bayeux Tapestry (Approx. 30 minutes)

1. Explore the Tapestry: Using the provided link, scroll through the entire Bayeux Tapestry. Don't worry about reading every word of the Latin; focus on the images. Pay close attention to the key players (Harold, William, Edward), the symbols (Halley's Comet), and the action of the battle itself.
2. Focus on the Climax: Find the scene depicting King Harold's death. This is panel 57, with the inscription "Hic Harold Rex Interfectus Est" ("Here King Harold is killed").
3. Answer in your notebook:
   • How does the Tapestry tell the story? What emotions do the figures convey?
   • The Tapestry was made by the Normans (the winners). How might this influence the way the story is told? Can you spot any potential bias?
   • Consider the scene of Harold's death. Why is this single moment the turning point of the entire 70-meter-long story?

Part 2: The Alternate Outcome - 'Repulse at Hastings' (Approx. 45 minutes)

1. Read the Story: Read Cecilia Holland's 'Repulse at Hastings, October 14, 1066'.
2. Identify the Change: As you read, pinpoint the exact moment or decision that changes the outcome from what you saw in the Tapestry. What is the "point of divergence"?
3. Answer in your notebook:
   • How does Holland make the Saxon victory feel believable? What details about strategy or character does she use?
   • Compare the "Harold" in this story to the "Harold" depicted in the Tapestry. How are they different?
   • What does the story suggest would be the immediate consequences of William's defeat for England and for Normandy?

Part 3: The Outside Interference - 'The Time Meddler' (Approx. 30 minutes)

1. Watch the Clip: Find and watch a clip from Doctor Who's 'The Time Meddler' where the Monk reveals his plan to the Doctor. He has a gramophone, a toaster, and... an atomic cannon he plans to use against William's fleet.
2. Think Like a Time Lord: The Doctor is horrified by the Monk's plan to change history. The Monk thinks he is improving it.
3. Answer in your notebook:
   • What is the Monk's motivation for helping King Harold win? Is he trying to be a hero?
   • What do you think would have been the consequence of an "atomic cannon" appearing in 1066? Think beyond just the battle. How would it change technology, religion, and power for the rest of history?
   • Is it ever "right" to change the past? Why does the Doctor believe it is so dangerous?

Part 4: Your Turn to Meddle - The Ripple Effect Report (Approx. 60-90 minutes)

You are now a Time Meddler. Your task is to alter the events of 1066. Unlike the Monk, you will be subtle. You must choose ONE small change to make, and then create a "Ripple Effect Report" explaining the consequences.

1. Choose Your Point of Divergence: Select a single, small change. It cannot be as dramatic as an atomic cannon! Here are some ideas:
   • Harold's brother, Tostig, decides not to invade the north of England with the King of Norway. (This means no Battle of Stamford Bridge, and Harold's army is fresh for Hastings).
   • The wind that kept William's fleet in Normandy for weeks never changes, and he is forced to abandon the invasion for the winter.
   • Halley's Comet (seen as a bad omen for Harold) appears a month later.
   • William is the one who is struck by a stray arrow early in the battle, not just his horse.
2. Create Your Report: Present your alternate history in ONE of the following formats:
   • A Short Story: Write a 500-750 word story from the perspective of a character present at the battle (a Saxon shield-bearer, a Norman knight, or even William or Harold). Show, don't just tell, how your small change ripples outwards to affect the battle and its immediate aftermath.
   • A "Bayeux Tapestry" Addendum: Create 3-5 new "panels" for the Tapestry that show your alternate outcome. You can draw them simply (stick figures are fine!) or describe them in vivid detail. For each panel, write a short caption in the style of the Tapestry explaining the action and its consequences.
   • A Script for a Scene: Write a 3-4 page script for a TV show (like Doctor Who or a historical drama) where characters react to your change and its consequences. Include dialogue, action, and setting descriptions.

Assessment & Reflection

Your "Ripple Effect Report" will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Creativity: Is the chosen change and its outcome interesting and original?
• Historical Logic: Do the consequences logically follow from the initial change, based on what you know about the period? (e.g., A Saxon victory wouldn't immediately lead to space travel, but it would change the English language).
• Use of Source Material: Does your project show an understanding of the details from the Tapestry, Holland's story, or the themes from Doctor Who?
• Clarity and Effort: Is the report well-presented and easy to understand in your chosen format?

To conclude, answer this final question in your notebook: Which of the three versions of Hastings (Tapestry, Holland, Doctor Who) do you find most compelling, and why?

Extension Activities (Optional)

• Research the Aftermath: Research the actual historical consequences of the Norman Conquest. How did it change the English language, the class system, and England's relationship with mainland Europe?
• Find Another Pivot: Identify another "pivotal moment" in history (e.g., the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the turning of Alan Turing's Enigma machine). Brainstorm a small change and what its ripple effect might have been.
• Explore More Alternate History: Find other examples of the genre. Good starting points include Philip K. Dick's 'The Man in the High Castle' or the 'What If?' series of historical essays.