Harold Godwinson's greatest victory, achieved by an astonishing forced march from London to Yorkshire in four days. The Norwegian army was caught unprepared, partly on both sides of the River Derwent. A lone Norwegian warrior famously held the bridge against the English army single-handed before being killed. Hardrada and Tostig were both slain. Of the 300+ Norwegian ships that had sailed, only 24 were needed for the survivors. Three days later Harold heard of the Norman landing.
Harald Hardrada and Tostig killed; Norwegian army virtually annihilated
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: ENG 2.
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