BattlefieldsTostig Ravages Lindsey and East Anglian Coast 1066
Early Medieval

Tostig Ravages Lindsey and East Anglian Coast 1066

1066
Lincolnshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Naval Engagement
Location
Lincolnshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Tostig
Forces
Tostig's raiding fleet with c. 2,000–3,000 men.
VS
Victor
Edwin and Morcar
Forces
Edwin and Morcar's forces (c. 1,500–2,000)
Outcome
Tostig raided successfully but failed to establish a position; driven off by Edwin and Morcar; retreated to Scotland to await Norwegian allies
The Battle

History & Significance

Before Harald Hardrada's main invasion, Tostig Godwinsson raided the English coast with a fleet of 60 ships in spring 1066, striking at Sandwich then sailing north to ravage Lincolnshire and Lindsey. The coast of the Humber was plundered and Tostig attempted to establish himself in the north. He was confronted by the northern earls Edwin and Morcar who drove him off. His raids weakened northern defences before the main Norwegian assault.

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