What type of soldiers fought at Stamford Bridge?
Were it not totally overshadowed by a more famous confrontation that took place at Hastings three weeks later, the Battle of Stamford Bridge between King Harold II of England and an invading Viking army led by King Harald Hadrada of Norway would be remembered as the last time the Vikings attempted to conquer England.
Which army surrendered at Stamford Bridge?
the English army
Finally the English army collapsed in rout and the road to York lay open. Hardrada and Tostig did not storm the city, but negotiated its surrender and an exchange of hostages which was possibly to take place at Stamford Bridge.
Who was the Viking warrior who lost his life at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
After the death of Magnus, Harald became the king of Norway in 1045. In 1066 he went to conquer England, but he died in the battle at Stamford Bridge defeated by Harold Godwinson who in turn lost his life at the battle of Hastings a few weeks later – effectively ending the Viking Age in England.
Who was involved in the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
King Harold was fully aware that both King Hardrada of Norway and William of Normandy might try to take the throne from him. Harold believed that the Normans posed the main danger and he positioned his troops on the south coast of England. His soldiers were made up of housecarlsand the fyrd.
How many men were killed at Fulford and Stamford Bridge?
It is reckoned that all but 1200 of Hardrada’s men were killed at Fulford and Stamford Bridge and out of the 300 ships that brought the force to England, only 24 were needed to take the survivors home. Harold is thought to have lost some 2000 of his men in the battles.
How big was King Harold’s army at Stamford Bridge?
King Harold realised the immediate danger the Norwegian victory in the north represented. In two days King Harold assembled an army of 15,000 men, which included roughly 3,000 of his elite troops – the housecarls. King Harold led his army, most of whom were on foot, across 185 miles in just four days.
How many troops did the Norwegians have at Stamford Bridge?
It has been estimated that the Norwegians had about 6,000 troops and the defenders 5,000. According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle “many of the English were slain, drowned or put to flight and the Northmen had possession of the place of slaughter”.