Stamford Bridge
Posted by: 
reelcutter
N 53° 59.475 W 000° 54.788
30U E 636812 N 5984563
Fought between the armies of King Harold Godwinson of England and King Harald Hardrada of Norway this was the second major battle fought by the English in 1066
Waymark Code: WMAVF8
Location: Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 02/27/2011
Views: 11
King Harold was still in the south of England in early September when he heard news of the invasion by Hardrada.
Harold collected his army in London before heading north. Arriving at Tadcaster on the 24th September, he entered York the following day.
Although his men were exhausted Harold had no intention of resting and attacked his unprepared enemies 5000 men with his 4000.
The Norwegian's were split on both banks of the Derwent.The bridge in 1066 was about 500 yards upstream of the modern one and was probably a very narrow wooden structure.
The English charged the Norse positions on their side of river. Without heavy armour which had been left behind the Norse reeled from this first suprise attack.
The order was given to fall back by Hardrada to a flat piece of ground 50ft above the river to the east. According to legend a lone Norse warrior held the bridge to aid the retreat of his companians until he was overwhelmed by the English. With the bridge cleared Harold led his army across the river and the main battle began.
The Norsemen who had formed a shield wall, advanced upon the English and a hard bloody struggle ensued. During the course of the fight Hardrada was hit in the throat by an arrow and the command of the Norwegians passed to Harold's rebellious brother Tostig who was offered his life if he withdrew. Tostig waiting for heavily armed reinforcments to arrive from Ricall tried to by some time. When reinforcments did arrive they were pushed straight into the fight, after their fast hard march from their ships this was too much for them. The English army put them to flight the slaughter great. Only a few managed to escape back to their ships. King Harold had won a great but costly victory.
Name of Battle:
Stamford Bridge
Name of War: Invasion of England 1066
Date(s) of Battle (Beginning): 09/25/1066
Date of Battle (End): 09/25/1066
Entrance Fee: Not Listed
Parking: Not Listed
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Visit Instructions:
Post a photo of you in front of a sign or marker posted at the site of the battle (or some other way to indicate you have personally visited the site.
In addition it is encouraged to take a few photos of the surrounding area and interesting features at the site.