Following the defeat at the Battle of Fulford Bridge, York, on September 20th the victorious Viking army camped at Stamford Bridge, unaware that King Harold I of England had left London for the north on September 18th.
Five days later, on September the 25th, Harold’s army surprised the Vikings by marching towards the bridge over the Derwent. It is said that Harold’s army marched 185 miles from London in 4 days which is a scarcely believable 46 miles a day. But if they left on 18th and battle was 25th that’s 7 days but still 26 miles a day which I would struggle with without having to carry weapons and armour.
But no wonder the Vikings were surprised!
According to tradition a large Viking held the English army up as he controlled the narrow wooden bridge across the river. An enterprising English soldier found a boat, floated under the bridge and killed the Viking by pushing his spear through the bridge timbers, killing the Viking.
According to the 13th Century Icelandic historian, Snorri Sturlson, the fight began only after a rider approached the Viking Army and offered Tostig back his Earldom if he would withdraw from the fight. Tostig asked what would be in it for, his ally, the King of Norway? The reply was ‘ Seven feet of English ground, as he is taller than other men’. The offer was refused and it was said that the rider was King Harold himself.
Once over the Bridge the English found the Vikings had formed a defensive formation. However, they had left their armour behind at Riccall. The battle lasted all day but ended with the slaughter of most of the Vikings. King Harold Hardrada, one of the greatest warriors of his age and Tostig were both killed. The extent of the slaughter can be gathered as of the reputed 300 boats of the Viking army only 24 returned to Norway.
A stunning victory for Harold I, but following terrible losses at the battle of Fulford. And three days later, on September 28th, William,Duke of Normandy would land with his army at Pevensey. 256 miles south.
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I didn’t know there were two Harolds at the same time… 🙂
How complicated for philistines!