The Norse-Saxon clash at Fulford weakened English northern defenses days before Stamford Bridge and the Norman Conquest.
Key Facts
- Date
- 20 September 1066
- Location
- Fulford, south of York, England
- Viking base
- Riccall, south of York
- Battle site
- East bank of the River Ouse
- Outcome
- Norse-Tostig coalition victory over Edwin and Morcar
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Harald Hardrada of Norway, a claimant to the English throne, allied with the exiled Tostig Godwinson and sailed to England with a fleet of ships. After establishing a base at Riccall south of York, the Norse force advanced northward, prompting the northern English earls Edwin and Morcar to mobilize their largely inexperienced Saxon forces to intercept them.
On 20 September 1066, the opposing armies met on the east bank of the River Ouse near Fulford. The Saxon forces under Morcar and Edwin initially inflicted heavy losses on the Viking army, but the more experienced Norse warriors ultimately overwhelmed the English, routing the Saxon force while the earls themselves managed to escape the field.
Following their victory, the Norwegians entered York, gathered supplies, and demanded hostages. The defeat left northern England's defenses severely weakened, forcing King Harold II to march his army rapidly northward. This led to the Battle of Stamford Bridge shortly after, and Harold's subsequent exhausted southward march to face William of Normandy at Hastings.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Harald Hardrada (Harald III of Norway), Tostig Godwinson.
Side B
1 belligerent
Morcar, Earl of Northumbria, Edwin, Earl of Mercia.