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Death of Harald Hardrada

Type Event Region Europe Time 1066

On 25 September 1066, Norwegian King Harald Hardrada fought Harold Godwinson's forces at Stamford Bridge in Yorkshire;…

Timeline

  1. 1066River Ouse and York · YorkshireHarald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson's joint forces landed by sea, defeated local English defenders at Fulford, and advanced on York, forcing the garrison to negotiate peace.
  2. 1066Stamford Bridge · YorkshireHarold Godwinson marched rapidly north with his main force and launched a surprise attack while part of the Norwegian army was unarmoured and holding the bridgehead. After fierce fighting, the English broke the Norwegian lines.
  3. 1066Stamford Bridge battlefield · YorkshireAccording to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and other accounts, Harald Hardrada was killed by an arrow in the fighting; his brother Olaf and Tostig sued for peace and were allowed to sail away with the remnants, ending Norway's claim to the English throne.

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