BattlefieldsBattle of Gate Fulford (1066 AD)
Early Medieval

Battle of Gate Fulford (1066 AD)

1066
East Riding, England
Also known as: Battle of Fulford Gate · Fulford 1066
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
East Riding, England
Status
Registered · BOE64
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
English (Edwin and Morcar)
Forces
Edwin and Morcar's English forces (c. 4,000–6,000).
VS
Victor
Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson
Forces
Harald Hardrada and Tostig combined (c. 9,000–12,000)
Outcome
English northern army destroyed; York surrendered; hostages given
The Battle

History & Significance

Earls Edwin of Mercia and Morcar of Northumbria led their armies against Harald Hardrada's Norwegian invasion force and were decisively defeated at Fulford on the Ouse south of York. The English army was driven into the marshes; hundreds drowned. York surrendered to Harald the next day. The defeat destroyed the northern English military reserve just five days before Stamford Bridge and three weeks before Hastings.

Casualties & Losses

Hundreds of English drowned in the marshes; army effectively destroyed

Registered Historic Battlefield

This battlefield is listed on the Register of Historic Battlefields — a national designation identifying Britain's most significant battle sites for protection and further research. Reference: BOE64.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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