History Remixed: The Battle of Hastings, 1066

Materials Needed

• Internet access for viewing the Bayeux Tapestry and watching Doctor Who.
• A copy of Cecilia Holland's short story, 'Repulse at Hastings, October 14, 1066' (can be found in alternate history anthologies or online).
• Access to the classic Doctor Who story 'The Time Meddler' (available on streaming services like BritBox or for purchase).
• Notebook and pen, or a word processing program.
• (Optional) Art supplies for the creative project (paper, colored pencils, markers, or digital art software).

Learning Objectives

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

• Analyze the Bayeux Tapestry as a historical narrative, identifying its point of view and potential propaganda.
• Compare and contrast the factual account of the Battle of Hastings with two different fictional, alternate-history scenarios.
• Construct a well-reasoned argument about the ethical implications of altering historical events.
• Create an original work (a story, a script, or a new tapestry panel) that reinterprets a key moment from the Battle of Hastings, demonstrating your understanding of the historical context and the concept of historical change.

The Lesson: A Time Guardian's Mission

Introduction: Welcome, Time Guardian. Your mission is to investigate a critical nexus point in history: October 14, 1066. On this day, the fate of England was decided at the Battle of Hastings. But was the outcome inevitable? We will examine the "official" record, explore two timelines where history went differently, and decide for yourself whether history should ever be changed. Let's begin.

Part 1: The Official Record - The Winner's Story (Approx. 60 minutes)

The Bayeux Tapestry is our primary piece of evidence. It's not a true tapestry but an embroidered cloth, nearly 70 meters long, that tells the story of the Norman conquest of England. However, it was commissioned by the Normans, the victors. Your first task is to analyze this source as a piece of historical storytelling.

1. View the Tapestry: Explore a high-resolution, scrolling version of the Bayeux Tapestry online (a great one is available at the Bayeux Museum website). Pay close attention to the scenes depicting Harold Godwinson's oath to William, the appearance of Halley's Comet, the preparations for war, and the battle itself.
2. Analyze the Narrative: In your notebook, answer the following questions. Don't just look for facts; look for the story being told.
   • How is King Harold portrayed before and during the battle? Does he seem like a noble hero or a villain? Look at his body language and actions.
   • How is William the Conqueror portrayed? How do the artists make him seem powerful and destined to win?
   • The Tapestry includes text in Latin. Look up the translations for a few key scenes (like Harold's oath or his death). How does the text guide your interpretation of the images?
   • This was made by the winners. If the Anglo-Saxons had won and created a "Hastings Tapestry," what three key scenes might look completely different? Describe them.

Part 2: The Alternate Timelines - What If...? (Approx. 90 minutes)

Now we will explore two "corrupted" timelines where 1066 didn't go according to the history books. Your task is to analyze *how* and *why* history was changed in each account.

1. Timeline A - The Gritty "What If": Read Cecilia Holland's short story, 'Repulse at Hastings, October 14, 1066'. This is a grounded, realistic take on how the battle could have gone the other way.
   • What is the key turning point in Holland's version of the battle? Is it one big change or a series of small ones?
   • How does Holland create a sense of realism? Pay attention to her descriptions of the soldiers, the landscape, and the chaos of the fight.
   • Does this alternate outcome feel believable? Why or why not?
2. Timeline B - The Sci-Fi "What If": Watch the Doctor Who story 'The Time Meddler'. In this story, a character known as the Monk is actively trying to change history by giving the Saxons advanced weaponry.
   • What is the Monk's motivation for changing history? Does he seem to care about the consequences?
   • What is the Doctor's argument against the Monk's plan? Why does he believe that history must not be changed?
   • Compare the Monk's method of changing history (introducing anachronistic technology) to the changes in Holland's story (based on strategy and chance). Which feels more disruptive? Why?

Part 3: The Time Guardian's Dilemma - To Meddle or Not to Meddle? (Approx. 30 minutes)

Now, synthesize what you've learned. Consider the three versions of the Battle of Hastings you've just explored. Answer these big-picture questions in your notebook.

• The Doctor argues for not interfering. Cecilia Holland shows how easily things could have been different. The Bayeux Tapestry shows a version of history designed to justify one outcome. Whose perspective do you agree with most, and why?
• If you had the power to change one historical event, would you? What would be the potential positive and negative consequences of your change?
• Does it matter who writes history? How did seeing these three different versions change your understanding of the Battle of Hastings?

Assessment: Your Turn to Remake History

Your final mission is to create your own "remix" of the Battle of Hastings. This is where you apply your analysis and creativity. Choose one of the following projects:

Option A: The Lost Panel

Design and create a new, final panel for the Bayeux Tapestry that depicts an alternate outcome where Harold and the Saxons win. You can draw this on paper or use digital art software. You must also write a 200-word description explaining:

• The key details in your panel and what they symbolize.
• How your panel's style and perspective are similar to (or intentionally different from) the original Tapestry.
• The one small change during the battle that led to this new outcome.

Option B: A Time Meddler's Diary

Write a series of three diary entries (totaling about 500-750 words) from the perspective of a time traveler sent to 1066. Your mission is to ensure a specific outcome (either William or Harold wins). Your entries should describe:

• Your secret plan for changing the battle.
• Your observations of the historical setting and key figures (William, Harold, a common soldier, etc.).
• A moment where your plan almost goes wrong, and how you adapt.

Option C: Eyewitness Account

Write a short story (500-750 words) from the perspective of a non-combatant at the Battle of Hastings—a Norman squire, a Saxon shield-maiden, or a farmer watching from a nearby hill. The story should describe a key turning point in the battle, but one that you invent. This change should alter the final outcome of the battle from what we know in our history books. Focus on sensory details and the character's personal reaction to the unfolding events.

Extension & Differentiation

• For Extra Support: Focus on just one of the alternate histories (either the story or the TV show) to compare with the Tapestry. For the final project, brainstorm the key moments of the battle together before beginning the creative work.
• For an Extra Challenge: Research the *actual* historical debate around key moments in the Tapestry (e.g., the "arrow in the eye" vs. being cut down by knights). Incorporate this historical debate into your final project, proposing a definitive version of events in your creative piece. Or, research the linguistic impact of the Norman Conquest and write a short epilogue to your project describing how England is different in your new timeline.