Source A: Norman Description of the Shield Wall

"The Normans faced the English with a formidable shield wall, a tightly packed line of soldiers with shields overlapping to form a barrier. This formation allowed them to withstand the initial Anglo-Saxon attack and protect their archers and cavalry behind the line. The shield wall was a key tactic, enabling the Normans to hold their ground during the fierce fighting. However, when the English broke through gaps in the line, the Normans struggled to respond effectively, leading to a turning point in the battle." Provenance: William of Poitiers, 1070s, Norman chronicler and historian.