As the horses disembark the artist has deliberately drawn the lighter horse leaving with one leg still in the ship, as the portable mast is removed. This is a clear indication that the horses needed to be tethered, with legs tied, in order to be able to make the journey in such small vessels. William was the first general of his day to bring his horses with him in this way without ramps and the sight of so many mounted knights must have come to the English as a great surprise. It was the English tradition to fight on foot, so bringing large numbers of mounted cavalry would have a great impact upon the balance of power in any assault. In consequence I believe it is correct to assume that the author of the Tapestry would ensure that the transportation method and delivery of this new and powerful concept of naval invasion, with horses, was correctly presented, when it was such an important factor in the success of the Invasion.
At this point the ships can be seen beached all in a line, side by side, exactly as described by Wace. This is where the landing happens with the words "..the soldiers hurried to Hastings to requisition food". Hastings is named as the Invasion site at the point where the landing takes place.
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