Stamford Bridge, battle of

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Stamford Bridge, battle of, 1066. A victory for King Harold Godwineson over Harold Hardrada, king of Norway, and his own brother Tostig, both of whom were killed. Harold Hardrada was seeking to enforce a purported promise of succession to the English kingdom by King Harthacnut. Little is known about the battle, which took place on the Derwent just east of York, save that it was fiercely fought and that Harold Godwineson surprised his opponents. Harold's success indirectly assisted William the Conqueror, who was given time to establish a secure base on the south coast before the battle of Hastings.

David Richard Bates

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