The Battle of Stamford Bridge: The End of the Viking Age in England
Featured in And The Rest Is History by Jodi Taylor
AI generated audio has been added for accessibility.
The Battle of Stamford Bridge, fought on September 25, 1066, was a significant and decisive conflict that marked the end of Viking invasions in England. This battle saw the forces of the Anglo-Saxon king, Harold Godwinson, triumph over an invading Norwegian army led by King Harald Hardrada. Though overshadowed by the Battle of Hastings, which followed just three weeks later, Stamford Bridge was crucial in shaping the events that culminated in the Norman Conquest of England.
The origins of the Battle of Stamford Bridge lie in the succession crisis that followed the death of Edward the Confessor, the childless King of England, in January 1066. Several claimants vied for the English throne, including Harold Godwinson, who was crowned shortly after Edward's death, and William, Duke of Normandy, who also claimed that Edward had promised him the throne.
A third major contender emerged from Scandinavia—King Harald Hardrada of Norway. Hardrada, one of the most formidable Viking leaders of his time, based his claim to the English throne on an old agreement between the earlier kings of England and Norway. He was supported by Tostig Godwinson, the exiled brother of Harold Godwinson, who sought to reclaim power in England by helping the Norwegian king.
In September 1066, Harald Hardrada launched his invasion of northern England with a fleet of around 300 ships, carrying thousands of seasoned warriors. He was joined by Tostig, who brought additional forces. The Norwegian army advanced through Yorkshire, defeating local forces at the Battle of Fulford near York on September 20. Following this victory, they occupied the city and demanded hostages and supplies.
Harold Godwinson, who had been in southern England preparing for a possible Norman invasion, was forced to march north with his army to confront Hardrada’s forces. In a remarkable feat of endurance, Harold and his men covered the distance of approximately 200 miles from London to York in just four days, taking the Norwegians by surprise.
On the morning of September 25, 1066, the two armies met at Stamford Bridge, located east of York. Hardrada’s forces were caught off guard, as they had not expected Harold’s army to arrive so quickly. Many of the Norwegian soldiers had left their armor behind at their ships, believing they had time to regroup.
The battle began when Harold’s forces advanced on the Norwegian army, which was divided by the River Derwent. Hardrada’s men were unprepared, but they quickly formed a defensive position on the east bank of the river. According to legend, a single giant Norwegian warrior held the narrow bridge for a time, cutting down many English soldiers before being killed by a spearman who floated under the bridge in a barrel.
Despite this brief defense, Harold’s forces crossed the river and launched a full-scale assault. The battle raged throughout the day, with heavy casualties on both sides. King Harald Hardrada fought valiantly but was killed by an arrow to the throat. Tostig, Harold’s brother, was also slain in the battle.
Following the death of their leaders, the remaining Norwegian forces attempted to flee but were pursued and cut down by Harold’s troops. Out of the 300 ships that had carried Hardrada’s army to England, only 24 were needed to transport the survivors back to Norway. This crushing defeat effectively ended the Viking threat to England.
The Battle of Stamford Bridge was a decisive victory for Harold Godwinson, who had successfully defended his kingdom against the Norwegian invaders. However, the battle left Harold’s army severely depleted and exhausted, which proved to be a crucial factor in the events that followed.
Just days after his victory at Stamford Bridge, Harold received news that William, Duke of Normandy, had landed in southern England. Harold was forced to march his tired troops southward to face this new threat, leading to the famous Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066, where William the Conqueror emerged victorious and Harold was killed.
Although Stamford Bridge was a victory for the Anglo-Saxons, it weakened Harold’s ability to resist the Normans effectively, contributing to the eventual Norman Conquest of England.
The Battle of Stamford Bridge is often seen as the last major Viking incursion into England and is considered one of the battles that ended the Viking Age. For over two centuries, Viking raids and invasions had constantly threatened England, but after Stamford Bridge, the Viking influence in English politics waned dramatically.
Harald Hardrada, known for his ambition and military prowess, was one of the most feared warriors of his time. His death at Stamford Bridge marked the end of an era of Norse expansion and the last serious attempt by a Scandinavian king to claim the English throne.
While often overshadowed by the Battle of Hastings, the Battle of Stamford Bridge remains a crucial moment in English history. It highlights Harold Godwinson’s military skill and the resilience of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom. However, the toll it took on Harold’s forces ultimately contributed to the success of William the Conqueror just a few weeks later.
Discover how the team from St Mary’s got on at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in And The Rest Is History by Jodi Taylor.
We hope you have enjoyed this History Briefing about The Battle of Stamford Bridge. Please CLICK HERE to read more history briefings that give you background information about the history from The Chronicles of St Mary’s series by Jodi Taylor.