In medieval Scandinavia they were known as húskarlar and were anglicised as housecarl or huscarl. Sometimes spelled huscarle or houscarl, they were household troops in personal service as bodyguards to Scandinavian lords and kings.

By the end of the 11th century, there may have been as many as 3,000 royal huscarls  in England, and as the household troops of Harald Godwinson, the huscarls had a crucial role as the backbone of Harald’s army at Hastings.  Although they were numerically the smaller part of his army, their superior equipment and training meant they could have been used to strengthen the militia, or fyrd, which made up most of Harald’s troops. The huscarls were positioned in the centre, around their leader’s standard, but also in the first ranks of both flanks with the fyrdmen behind them.

During the battle these Huscarls fought after Harald’s death, they held their oath to him until the very last man was killed.

These men are armed with spears and hand weapons and carry a shield.

The pack contains 1 metal figure, supplied with a base. Miniatures supplied unpainted and may need some assembly.