During Fulford, where did the English form a shield wall?

• A. On the north side of the beck.
• B. On the south side of the beck.
• C. On a hill overlooking the river.
• D. In the town square.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is how terrain helps a defensive infantry line. The English formed a dense shield-wall along the north bank of Fulford Beck, using the stream as a natural obstacle to slow or disrupt attackers crossing from the south. This position let them face the invaders directly and keep their line intact, creating a strong, compact front that was hard to break. Placing the wall on the north side also makes sense because the defenders would stand on firmer ground and deter any attempt to ford the stream. The other options don’t fit the historical setup: there isn’t a noted hill overlooking the river as the main defensive position, and forming a wall in the town square wouldn’t match how a pitched, river-crossing defense would be organized.