The Battle of Stamford Bridge

• Battle of Stamford Bridge

  The second of the crucial battles of 1066
• The Battle of Stamford Bridge occurred on 25th September 1066
• The battle was between the Vikings and the Saxons
• The battle was over whether Harold Hardrada of Norway would become king of England or if Harold Godwinson would preserve his crown
• The Saxons had earlier been defeated at Gate Fulford on 20th September
• The Vikings were overconfident after their victory at Gate Fulford
• The Viking force was split, with about a third with their boats and two-thirds without armor waiting at Stamford Bridge
• Harold Godwinson force-marched his army of over 10,000 men north and achieved complete surprise when he reached Hardrada's position
• Viking Deployments

  1. Some were on the other side of the bridge, but hurried across to rejoin the rest of the army

  2. Hardrada's force of around 6,000 warriors was completely surprised, with many without armor

  3. Hardrada sent for his 3,000 reinforcements guarding the boats 10 miles away
• The bridge was a small wooden footbridge, where only 2-3 people could cross at once
• Diplomacy Attempt

  1. Harold sent a messenger (himself) to converse with Hardrada and offer Tostig his title and earldom back if he submitted

  2. Hardrada replied he wanted 7 feet of English land, as he was taller than most men
• Crossing the Bridge

  1. A huge Viking axeman blocked the bridge, killing 40 English warriors until a Saxon floated under the bridge and stabbed him from below

  2. The English still had difficulty crossing the narrow bridge quickly with all their equipment
• The Battle

  1. The Vikings formed a shield wall and fought savagely

  2. The English archers opened fire on the weakened shield wall

  3. An arrow killed Hardrada

  4. Tostig was also killed, possibly by Harold himself

  5. The remaining Viking reinforcements arrived but were also defeated
• Why the English Won

  • Harold achieved surprise with the Vikings split and unprepared
  • Hardrada arranged a defense and delayed the English advance
  • The Vikings lost despite the late arrival of reinforcements
  • But this came at a cost of 500 English warriors
• The Viking threat from Norway was gone, as they were utterly crushed