Note 107 — PART II HISTORICAL STUDIES

There is no question that the fight began with an advance of the Norman infantry. William of Poitiers and Bishop Guy are in complete accordance on the fact.107 But as my description of the infantry has been challenged,108 I may show that it is quite beyond dispute.109 To my argument, as reprinted below, it has been objected that I fail 'to take account of the distinction between light-armed and heavy-armed infantry'.110 It will be seen that my argument turns, not on the armour, but on the weapons of the foot. I have challenged my opponents to produce mention of any weapons but crossbows,111 or bows and arrows, and need scarcely say that they cannot.