The battle-axe was the
main weapon used by King Harold's housecarls
at the Battle
of Hastings. A battle-axe was used in hand-to-hand fighting
or could be hurled as a missile. The wooden handle could be as long
as 150 cm (5 feet). The crescent-shaped blade measured about 25 cm
(10 inches) between the upper and lower points of its broad cutting
edge. Made of steel, the battle-axe was capable of cutting off a limb
or a head in one blow. During combat the axe was usually wielded with
both hands and so the warrior was not able to carry a shield to protect
himself against the enemy.
Section
53: The English battle-axe and
the Norman double-edged sword
in action at the Battle of Hastings,
Bayeux
Tapestry (c. 1090)
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