Death of Harald:  Battle of Stamford Bridge

Death of Harald: Battle of Stamford Bridge

Harald Hardrada

Death of Harald:  Battle of Stamford Bridge
The Battle of Stamford bridge ©Image Attribution forthcoming. Image belongs to the respective owner(s).
1066 Sep 25

Death of Harald: Battle of Stamford Bridge

Stamford Bridge

Harald and Tostig departed their landing place at Riccall with most of their forces, but left a third of their forces behind. They brought only light armour, as they expected to just meet the citizens of York. Although (according to non-saga sources) the English forces were held up at the bridge for some time by a single gigantic Norwegian, allowing Harald and Tostig to regroup into a shield-wall formation, Harald's army was in the end heavily beaten. Harald was struck in the throat by an arrow and killed early in the battle in a state of berserkergang, having worn no body armour and fought aggressively with both hands around his sword.

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