1066 Stamford Bridge 3

This battle occured on September 25, 1066, between the English forces under King Harold and Norwegian (Viking) forces under the Norwegian King Harald Hardrada, and Tostig, King Harold of England's rebel brother. The battle took place just south of the City of York. King Harold of England made a legendary forced march all the way from southern England with his main force being the legendary Saxon Housecarls. Harold of England suprised Harald of Norway completely. The Vikings fought stubbornly but being unarmored, had to give way. Harald of Norway and the rebel Tostig both fell. Harold of England gave quarter to the remainder of the Vikings under their pledge they would never again invade England. The pledge was kept and this battle is significant as marking the end of the Viking Raiding Era and Scandanavian raids into England. Harold of England's problems were not over. He hurried his army south to meet the second threat of William of Normandy and Harold met his fate at Hastings about a month later. Harold's depleted army from the Stamford Bridge battle could not resist the fresh Norman forces from across the English Channel.