The battle ended Norwegian ambitions to conquer England and is traditionally considered the close of the Viking Age.
Key Facts
- Date
- 25 September 1066
- Location
- Stamford Bridge, East Riding of Yorkshire
- Norwegian commanders killed
- Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson
- English commander
- King Harold Godwinson
- Weeks before Battle of Hastings
- Less than 3 weeks
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
King Harald Hardrada of Norway, allied with the English king's estranged brother Tostig Godwinson, launched an invasion of England in 1066, seeking to claim the English throne. Their forces had already defeated a northern English army at the Battle of Fulford before Harold Godwinson marched his army north at speed to confront them.
On 25 September 1066, the English army under Harold Godwinson met the Norwegian invaders at Stamford Bridge in East Riding of Yorkshire. After a fierce and bloody engagement, both Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson were slain along with the majority of the Norwegian force, decisively ending the invasion.
Although Harold Godwinson repelled the Norwegian threat, his army was exhausted and had to march south rapidly to face a Norman invasion led by William the Conqueror. Fewer than three weeks later, Harold was defeated and killed at the Battle of Hastings, fundamentally altering the course of English history.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Harold Godwinson.
Side B
1 belligerent
Harald Hardrada, Tostig Godwinson.