BattlefieldsBattle of Stamford Bridge (1066 AD)
Early Medieval

Battle of Stamford Bridge (1066 AD)

1066
East Riding, England
Also known as: Stamford Bridge 1066 · Death of Harald Hardrada
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
East Riding, England
Status
Registered · BOE65
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Harald Hardrada of Norway and Tostig Godwinson
Forces
c.15,000 English under Harold Godwinson
VS
Victor
Harold Godwinson of England
Forces
c.9,000-12,000 Norwegians under Hardrada
Outcome
Harald Hardrada and Tostig killed; Norwegian army destroyed; invasion ended
The Battle

History & Significance

Harold Godwinson made a remarkable forced march from London to Yorkshire in four days and caught the Norwegian army by surprise on both banks of the Derwent. The battle was a complete English victory: Harald Hardrada and Tostig were killed, and the entire Norwegian invasion was destroyed. Of 300 ships that came, only 24 returned home. The victory was England's greatest military triumph of the eleventh century. Harold's subsequent forced march south to face William at Hastings three weeks later exhausted his army.

Casualties & Losses

Harald Hardrada, Tostig, and most of the Norwegian army killed

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: BOE65.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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