The mounted Norman knights start their charge to battle. The Battle commenced at 9am on the day of St. Calixtus, Saturday the 14th October 1066. The number of troops in William’s army has been stated as many as 60,000 but the most reliable estimate is around 2000 cavalry, 800 archers and 3000 infantry. Harold’s army consisted of about 8000 troops, half of which were the elite royal housecarls, the royal bodyguard. The housecarls were positioned in the center, around the standard and in the first ranks with the fyrd behind. Although Harold outnumbered William, William had a greater number of professional soldiers.