The Battle of Stamford Bridge

In the year 1066, William the Conqueror invaded England and became king. Many people know this story, but few know of the Viking invasion that took place at the same time and paved the way for William's victory.

The invasions began due to the death of the English king, Edward the Confessor. He had named an English noble named Harold Godwinson as his successor but this was not a decision accepted by all. William, the Duke of Normandy, believed that according to prior agreements and family relations that he was the rightful king. Likewise, the king of Norway Harald Hardrada believed that he was the rightful king of England. Hardrada's claim was partially due to Harold Godwinson's brother Tostig. Tostig had been exiled from England and wanted his power back and he saw supporting a claimant as one way of achieving this. Harald Hardrada and William both prepared to invade England to seize what they believed was rightfully theirs.

A map of the events of 1066

Harald Hardrada and his vikings landed in the north of England and quickly marched on and captured York. There wasn't much of a fight, and the vikings took hostages and supplies. They arranged with the local government for more hostages and agreed to wait at Stamford Bridge for them. Harold Godwinson had been waiting in Southern England for William's army but decided to march to Stamford when he heard of the Viking invasion. He pushed his men hard, and covered almost 200 miles in only four days. When he reached Stamford Bridge, the Vikings had no idea they had been advancing and a fierce battle broke out. Many of the Vikings had discarded their armor before to be comfortable in the intense heat which provided an advantage for the English. The initial wave of English sent many Vikings back across the bridge, where legend has it that one axeman stayed behind, cutting down scores of men and preventing the entire English army from advancing until he was stabbed from below by a spearman.

A lone Viking axeman holds the bridge

The rest of the battle was extremely bloody for both sides, but eventually the English prevailed after Harald Hardrada and Tostig were killed. Thousands on both sides lay dead, and the Vikings retreated to their ships and left for home. While Harold Godwinson was successful, the battle was ultimately his undoing as shortly after William landed with his massive force of Normans. Harold had to march his men all the way back across England and by the time they arrived at Hastings they had been severely exhausted and depleted of men. The Battle of Hastings saw Harold's death and ensured William's victory and subsequent conquer of England. Had it not been for the Vikings and the Battle of Stamford Bridge, William may not have been successful.

Harald Hardrada is killed by an arrow during the battle

Sources
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Stamford_Bridge
http://www.britainexpress.com/History/battles/stamford-bridge.htm
http://www.historynet.com/last-of-the-vikings-stamford-bridge-1066.htm