Lecture Notes: Battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge

Introduction

• Part of a series on the Norman Conquest.
• Focus on events from January to September 1066.
• Key battles:
  • Battle of Fulford
  • Battle of Stamford Bridge

Main Characters

• King Harold Godwinson: Recently took the throne of England after Edward the Confessor's death.
• Tostig Godwinson: Harold's brother, disgruntled and in conflict with Harold.
• Harald Hardrada: King of Norway, viking leader, claims the English throne.

Key Events Leading to Battles

• April 1066:
  • Harold Godwinson becomes King of England.
  • Tostig attacks the east coast of England but disappears in April.
• June 1066:
  • In Normandy, William prepares for an invasion of England.
  • Harold gathers the English army, the fyrd, on the south coast anticipating a Norman invasion.
• September 1066:
  • Fyrd disbanded as no invasion occurs.
  • Tostig returns with Harald Hardrada, landing in northeastern England on September 8.

The Battle of Fulford (September 20, 1066)

• Location: Outside York.
• Combatants: Viking forces (Harald and Tostig) vs. English northern earls (Edwin and Morcar).
• Outcome:
  • Vikings defeat Edwin and Morcar.
  • Vikings take control of York.

The March to Stamford Bridge

• Harold Godwinson's Response:
  • Rapidly regathers the fyrd and marches north.
  • Covers 200 miles to York in record time.

The Battle of Stamford Bridge (September 25, 1066)

• Location: Stamford Bridge, outside York.
• Combatants: Anglo-Saxon army (led by Harold) vs. Viking forces (Harald and Tostig).
• Outcome:
  • Anglo-Saxons launch a surprise attack.
  • Vikings unprepared, lack chainmail.
  • Death of Harald Hardrada and Tostig.
  • English victory, remaining Vikings flee.

Consequences

• Victory at Stamford Bridge secures the north temporarily.
• Unbeknownst to Harold, Norman forces in Normandy are prepared and ready to invade England.
• This sets the stage for upcoming events in the Norman Conquest.

Next Steps

• The next video will cover the Norman invasion.