Anglo Saxon History Home Background Landscape Changing Landscape and Language Sea Levels in AD400(Pevensey) Sea Levels in AD400(The Wash) Sea level changes last 2000 years Andredsweald and Anderida Where are the Roman Roads History of the Romney Marsh The Great Storm 1287AD List of Landscape Documents Local The Haestingas The Cinque Ports 914AD Alfred the Great's fort in Hastings Battle Museum Battle History Society Villagenet Local Gazeteer World War 2 Tank database Simon the Piman(Raspberry Pi) Tourist Guides for the area Romans First Invasion 55BC Second Invasion 43AD Roman roads in Britannia Ptolemy Geographica Tribes MAP-Margary Roman Roads MAP-Roman Roads South East MAP-Roman Roads South West MAP-Roman Roads Wales MAP-Roman Roads South Midlands MAP-Roman Roads South Yorkshire MAP-Roman Locations Norfolk MAP-Roman Locations Essex MAP-Wealden Roads/Bloomeries Wealden Bloomeries 1st Century Wealden Bloomeries 2nd Century Wealden Bloomeries 3rd Century Wealden Bloomeries 4th Century MAP-Antonine Itinery I Roman Industry in the Brede Valley Decline in Roman Wealden Ironworking The Gallic Empire 260AD - 274AD Types of Roman Fortification List of Roman Documents Saxon Chronicles 449AD Hengest & Horsa arrive 455AD Hengest & Horsa defeat Wurtgern 457AD Hengest & Horsa take over Kent 460AD Hæstinga Saxons arrive 477AD Cymensora 485AD Suth Saxons Mercredesburnan 491AD Suth Saxons Pevensey 914AD Burghal Hideage Locations - 449AD Ebbsfleet Locations - 455AD Agelesþrep Locations - 485AD Mearcredesburnan Stede Locations - 914AD Eorpeburnan List of Saxon Chronicles Documents 1066 Battle Documentary Evidence Available Documents 1 Anglo Saxon Chronicles 2 Battle Abbey Chronicles 3 Bayeux Tapestry 4 Carmen Guy d'Amiens 5 Florence of Worcester 6 Henry of Huntingdon 7 Master Wace 8 Orderic Vitalis(Gesta) 9 William of Jumièges(Gesta) 10 William of Malmesbury 11 Quedam Exceptiones Reference to Locations Phases of the Events Phases 1066AD 1 Background 1066AD 2 In Normandy 1066AD 3 Channel Crossing 1066AD 4 The Landing 1066AD 5 Feast after Landing 1066AD 6 Building the Forts 1066AD 7 Raiding the Area 1066AD 8 Warning to Harold 1066AD 9 Stamford Bridge 1066AD 10 Harold returns to London 1066AD 11 William is Alerted 1066AD 12 Exchange of Messages 1066AD 13 Defenses 1066AD 14 Harold Reconnoitres 1066AD 15 Preparations 1066AD 16 The Night Before 1066AD 17 The Battle 1066AD 18 Harold is Killed 1066AD 19 The English Rout 1066AD 20 After the Battle 1066AD 21 The Malfosse Warriors, Weapons & Snippets Saxon - Huscarl Saxon - Fyrd(Fyrð) Senlac Hill The Malfosse The Hoar Apple Tree The Shield Wall Salt Production near Hastings The Battle of Jengland 851AD William's Ship List Norman/Viking Ships and stuff Norman bows and crossbows Harold was NOT killed by an arrow The Time Team view of the Battle 1066AD Landscape Details 1066AD Sailing from Normandy 1066AD Norman Landing 1066AD Possible Fort 1066AD to Pevensey and Hastings 1066AD Manors Wasted 1066AD Manors All 1066AD Warning to Harold 1066AD Harold to Hastings List of 1066AD Documents List of 1066AD Weapons 1086AD Domesday Boundary of Anderida Domesday Hursts Post Domesday Hursts Domesday Manors Wasted UK Norfolk Salt Production Salt Production near Hastings The Wash at 1086 The Humber estuary at 1086 Domesday County details B Bedfordshire Domesday Population Berkshire Domesday Population Buckinghamshire Domesday Population Domesday County details C Cambridgeshire Domesday Population Cheshire Domesday Population Cornwall Domesday Population Domesday County details D Derbyshire Domesday Population Devon Domesday Population Dorset Domesday Population Domesday County details E Essex Domesday Population Domesday County details G Gloucestershire Domesday Population Domesday County details H Hampshire Domesday Population Herefordshire Domesday Population Hertfordshire Domesday Population Huntingdonshire Domesday Population Domesday County details K Kent Domesday Population Domesday County details L Leicestershire Domesday Population Lincolnshire Domesday Population Domesday County details M Middlesex Domesday Population Domesday County details N Norfolk Domesday Population Northamptonshire Domesday Population Nottinghamshire Domesday Population Domesday County details O Oxfordshire Domesday Population Domesday County details R Rutland Domesday Population Domesday County details S Shropshire Domesday Population Somerset Domesday Population Staffordshire Domesday Population Suffolk Domesday Population Surrey Domesday Population Sussex Domesday Population Domesday County details W Warwickshire Domesday Population Wiltshire Domesday Population Worcestershire Domesday Population Domesday County details Y Yorkshire Domesday Population Place names Translate my Location Celtic name snippets Jutish name snippets Roman name snippets Saxon name snippets Viking name snippets Norman name snippets Modern name snippets Villages containing EY/EYE/SEA Villages containing HAM Villages containing TON Villages containing CASTLE Sussex Locations with ING Domesday Sussex with ING Kent Locations with ING Sussex Locations with HURST Loads of Village Translations Res Viking/Norman ship facts Viking Ships - Longboats and Knarr Normandy was first raided by the Vikings in 790AD and then settled by Vikings in about 840AD, so the Normans would use Viking technology for their ships. Viking longships, also known as longboats, were versatile Scandinavian warships used for commerce, exploration, and warfare during the Viking Age. While their primary purpose was not to transport horses, they could potentially carry a limited number of them. There were two types of ships, the first a warship called a Snekkja (meaning snake) with a larger variant called Drekka (meaning dragon) which was usually a commanders vessel and had a dragon shaped prow. The second was a transport ship called a Knarr (meaning merchant ship) which was wider and carried heavier loads and its smaller relative the Karve (meaning a caraway). Viking Ships - Longboats and Knarr Model Longboat Viking ship speeds Crew of a Snekka Viking Longboat Capacity and Horse Transport AD1066 How much could a standard viking knarr carry ? How heavy was the average horse in 1066 ? How many horses could a standard Norman Longboat carry ? How many horses could a standard Norman Knarr carry ? Viking Anchors The Oseberg ship Viking Langskip(Longship/Longboat) Ocean going Knörr scale model How many ships did William have available in 1066AD Model Longboat ▲ This is a detailed model longboat from Admiralty Ship Models Viking ship speeds ▲ Viking Ship Speeds The speed of Viking ships varied based on their type and conditions. Let's explore the speeds of two notable Viking ship types: the snekka and the knarr. 1. Snekka: The snekka was a type of Viking warship, often used for coastal raids and warfare. Its speed depended on factors like wind conditions, crew strength, and the specific design. On average, a snekka could achieve speeds ranging from 5 to 13 knots (approximately 9.3 to 18.5 km/h) when propelled by both oars and sail. Under favorable conditions, the maximum speed of a longship could reach around 15 knots (approximately 28 km/h) 2. Knarr: The knarr was a Norse merchant ship used for long sea voyages during the Viking Age. Unlike warships, the knarr was designed for cargo transport. Its hull was wider, deeper, and shorter than a longship, allowing it to carry more cargo. The knarr's average speed was similar to other Viking ships, ranging from 5 to 10 knots (approximately 9.3 to 18.5 km/h). . In summary, both the snekka and the knarr were capable of respectable speeds, allowing Vikings to navigate coastal waters and undertake their expeditions. Crew of a Snekka ▲ Viking Snekka Crew The snekka, a sleek and dynamic Viking longship, was commonly used for combat and coastal expeditions. Key details about the snekka crew: Minimum of 20 rowing benches Approximately 40 oarsmen Additional crew included a cox Possibly another 20 passengers The snekka excelled in deeper waters, making it ideal for fjords and Atlantic expeditions. Its streamlined shape allowed for easy beach landings on sandy or pebbled shores. These vessels played a significant role in Viking warfare and exploration. This would mean that a standard Snekka could carry 60 fighting men on short journeys. Viking Longboat Capacity and Horse Transport AD1066 ▲ Here are some details: Size and Characteristics: A typical snekkja (a type of longship) might have a length of around 17 meters (56 feet), a width of 2.5 meters (8.2 feet), and a draught of only 0.5 meters (1.6 feet). These longships were characterized as graceful, long, narrow, and light, with a shallow-draft hull designed for speed. Their shallow draft allowed navigation in waters as shallow as one meter, and their light weight enabled them to be carried over portages or used for shelter in camps. Capacity for Horses: Due to limited space and shallow draft, carrying horses on a longship was not common. If horses were transported, the number would likely be minimal—perhaps a few horses at most. The primary function of longships was troop transport rather than serving as dedicated warships. Function and Speed: Longships were fitted with oars along almost the entire length of the boat. Some versions had a rectangular sail on a single mast, which could replace or augment rowing efforts during long journeys. The average speed of Viking ships varied, but it generally lay in the range of 5–10 knots (9.3–18.5 km/h), with a maximum speed of around 15 knots (28 km/h) under favorable conditions. In summary, while Viking longships were powerful naval weapons, carrying horses was not their primary function. They were more commonly used for transporting warriors and supplies during Viking expeditions. How much could a standard viking knarr carry ? ▲ The Viking knarr, a sturdy Norse merchant ship, played a crucial role during the Viking expansion. Unlike the sleek longships, the knarr was designed for cargo transport. Let’s delve into its features: Construction: The knarr was constructed using the same clinker-built method as longships, karves, and faerings. Oak, widely available in southern Scandinavia or Southern England, was the primary material used for its frame. The oak frame was constructed deeper, paired with a wider body, creating an incredibly stable merchant ship. Overlapping planks were riveted to the hull, forming the clinker-hull, which suited it for rough waters. The knarr was approximately 16 meters long (53 feet), and had a beam of 4.6 metres (15 feet)and could carry up to 30 tons (60,000 lbs) of cargo. The addition of sails made it an incredibly low-maintenance ship, requiring only a crew of six. Role in Viking Exploration: The knarr was instrumental during the Viking settlement at Vinland (modern-day Newfoundland). It transported essential cargo like food, tools, and livestock to establish new settlements. Besides Vinland, the knarr carried goods to Norse settlements in Greenland, Iceland, and other regions. Historical Significance: The sagas, passed down verbally for centuries, tell of Viking journeys and the discovery of Vinland. In 1960, explorers Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad discovered a Viking settlement in L’Anse aux Meadows in Newfoundland, confirming the sagas’ truth. The knarr’s ability to transfer cargo was vital for establishing and sustaining these early settlements. How heavy was the average horse in 1066 ? ▲ Horse Breeding and Size: Horses in the Middle Ages were selectively bred for increased size. By the 11th century, the average warhorse was likely around 14.2 to 15 hands (approximately 58 to 60 inches or 147 to 152 cm) tall. This size has been verified through studies of Norman horseshoes and depictions on the Bayeux Tapestry. General Horse Weight: The average-sized horse today can weigh anywhere between 900 to 2,000 pounds. However, it’s essential to consider that horse weight can vary significantly based on factors like breed and height. Horse Weight Based on Height: Here’s a rough estimate of horse weight based on height (in hands): 9h: 420 to 530 pounds (190.5 – 240.5 kg) 10h: 530 to 620 pounds (240.5 – 281 kg) 11h: 530 to 700 pounds (240.5 – 317.5 kg) 12h: 530 to 815 pounds (240.5 – 370 kg) 13h: 620 to 880 pounds (281 – 399 kg) 14h: 795 to 990 pounds (360 – 449 kg) 15h: 990 to 1146 pounds (450 – 520 kg) 16h: 1234 to 1388 pounds (560 – 630 kg) In summary, the average horse in 1066 would likely fall within these weight ranges, depending on its specific characteristics The average ground area taken up by a horse is about 8ft x 3ft. How many horses could a standard Norman Longboat carry ? ▲ The image to the left comes from the Bayeux Tapestry and shows 10 horses and squires being transported in a Norman Longboat, this looks like a Longboat and not a Knarr as there are oar ports along the side of the vessel. Let us assume that the carrying space in a longboat is about 40ft x 6ft. So we can probably fit two horses(3ft wide and 8ft long) side by side and have 5 rows of horses. This would mean that on each Longboat we could transport a maximum of 10 horses plus the 10 squires and relevant equipment and food to look after them. How many horses could a standard Norman Knarr carry ? ▲ The image to the riight comes from the Bayeux Tapestry and shows 10 horses and squires being transported in a Norman Longboat, this looks like a Knarr as there are NO oar ports along the side of the vessel. If we assume the standard knights horse in Norman times weighed about 500kg then theoretically a Knarr could carry 30 tons which means 60 horses. Now that would be very silly as the horses take up more room and require significant space. So to make this more realistic let us assume that the carrying space is about 40ft x 10ft. So we can probably fit 12 horses(3ft wide and 8ft long) side by side. This would mean that on each Knarr we could transport 12 horses plus the 12 squires and relevant equipment and food to look after them. Viking Anchors ▲ So far there are two type of Viking anchor that have been identified, and these are shown below. If you click on the images you will be taken to their originating pages. The first type is a basic Wood and stone anchor which is probably the one most Viking ships used. The second is a much more expensive iron anchor with a wooden cross piece. The only evidence we have of an anchor rope/chain length is the Ladby ship which had an iron anchor chain 11 metres long, which would mean that a ship could anchor in about 6 metres of water. The Oseberg ship ▲ From Wikipedia: The Oseberg ship (Norwegian: Osebergskipet) is a well-preserved Viking ship discovered in a large burial mound at the Oseberg farm near Tønsberg in Vestfold county, Norway. This ship is commonly acknowledged to be among the finest artifacts to have survived from the Viking Age. The ship and some of its contents are displayed at the Viking Ship Museum at Bygdøy on the western side of Oslo, Norway. The ship is a Karve, clinker built, almost entirely of oak. It is 21.58 metres (70.8 ft) in length and 5.10 metres (16.7 ft) broad, with a mast of approximately 9–10 metres (30–33 ft) in height. With a likely sail area of 90 square metres (970 sq ft), the ship could have achieved a speed up of up to 10 knots (19 km/h; 12 mph). The ship has 15 pairs of openings for oars, enabling up to 30 people to row it. Dendrochronological analysis of timbers in the grave chamber dates the burial to the autumn of 834. Viking Langskip(Longship/Longboat) ▲ This image of a Viking longboat is from https://www.thildekoldholdt.com/post/viking-age-ships, and shows that they were able to carry large numbers of people possibly 50 or 60 if just used for transport. It is recorded that King Harald Hardrada at the Battle of Fulford had over two hundred ships, apart from supply ships and smaller craft". Combined with reinforcements picked up in Orkney, the Norwegian army most likely numbered between 6,000 and 9,000 men. This would mean that each longship carried about 30 oarsmen(see The Oseberg ship above), which on a short journey across the channel could possibly reach 50 per ship. Ocean going Knörr scale model ▲ This scale replica of an oceangoing Viking Knörr carrying goods is from an oceangoing Knörr 3D print model by Alf Scherer, as you can see on this model 4 horses on one of these vessels is less than half a full load. How many ships did William have available in 1066AD ▲ Copyright saxonhistory.co.uk 2013 - 2024Contact SimonAuthor Simon M - Last updated - 2024-12-11 12:20:31All pages on our site (Sitemap)
Normandy was first raided by the Vikings in 790AD and then settled by Vikings in about 840AD, so the Normans would use Viking technology for their ships. Viking longships, also known as longboats, were versatile Scandinavian warships used for commerce, exploration, and warfare during the Viking Age. While their primary purpose was not to transport horses, they could potentially carry a limited number of them. There were two types of ships, the first a warship called a Snekkja (meaning snake) with a larger variant called Drekka (meaning dragon) which was usually a commanders vessel and had a dragon shaped prow. The second was a transport ship called a Knarr (meaning merchant ship) which was wider and carried heavier loads and its smaller relative the Karve (meaning a caraway).
The speed of Viking ships varied based on their type and conditions. Let's explore the speeds of two notable Viking ship types: the snekka and the knarr.
1. Snekka:
The snekka was a type of Viking warship, often used for coastal raids and warfare. Its speed depended on factors like wind conditions, crew strength, and the specific design. On average, a snekka could achieve speeds ranging from 5 to 13 knots (approximately 9.3 to 18.5 km/h) when propelled by both oars and sail. Under favorable conditions, the maximum speed of a longship could reach around 15 knots (approximately 28 km/h)
2. Knarr:
The knarr was a Norse merchant ship used for long sea voyages during the Viking Age. Unlike warships, the knarr was designed for cargo transport. Its hull was wider, deeper, and shorter than a longship, allowing it to carry more cargo. The knarr's average speed was similar to other Viking ships, ranging from 5 to 10 knots (approximately 9.3 to 18.5 km/h). .
In summary, both the snekka and the knarr were capable of respectable speeds, allowing Vikings to navigate coastal waters and undertake their expeditions.
The snekka, a sleek and dynamic Viking longship, was commonly used for combat and coastal expeditions.
Key details about the snekka crew:
The snekka excelled in deeper waters, making it ideal for fjords and Atlantic expeditions. Its streamlined shape allowed for easy beach landings on sandy or pebbled shores.
These vessels played a significant role in Viking warfare and exploration. This would mean that a standard Snekka could carry 60 fighting men on short journeys.
In summary, while Viking longships were powerful naval weapons, carrying horses was not their primary function. They were more commonly used for transporting warriors and supplies during Viking expeditions.
