BattlefieldsMorcar Counterattack Aftermath and York Submission 1066
Early Medieval

Morcar Counterattack Aftermath and York Submission 1066

1066
North Yorkshire, England
Era
Early Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
North Yorkshire, England
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Morcar and York
Forces
c. 3,000 Morcar/York forces
VS
Victor
Harald Hardrada
Forces
c. 8,000 Harald Hardrada forces
Outcome
York submitted to Hardrada; hostages sent from Yorkshire; Norwegian control of the north seemingly established; Harold forced to march north at maximum speed
The Battle

History & Significance

After the Battle of Gate Fulford on 20 September 1066 in which the northern earls Edwin and Morcar were defeated by Harald Hardrada with heavy losses, York submitted to Hardrada and offered hostages. The Norwegians established a base at Riccall on the Ouse and began collecting hostages from throughout Yorkshire. Harold Godwinsson's rapid northern march was triggered by news of this disaster. Norwegian control of northern England seemed complete before Stamford Bridge reversed the situation entirely five days later.

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