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Battle of Stamford Bridge (Events (25th Sept HH set out for Stamford…
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Reasons for battle
they had arranged to release hostages, weapons and money at Stamford bridge
Godwinson heard HH had invaded, so he must protect his crown
Events
25th Sept HH set out for Stamford bridge to wait for hostages from city of york
King Harold takes HH by surprise by marching north so quickly, so HH had to organise his men to go back to Riccall
Both armies small. HH had lost men at Fulford and Godwinson had moved to quickly to gather a big army
A group of people ordered to guard a wooden bridge to stop Saxons crossing, this would give HH time to organise men for battle. King Harold easily cut down soldiers on west bank and headed for the bridge. Saxon speared guard from underneath which allowed them to cross bridge.
Harold then sent a message saying, trying to buy back Tostog's loyalty, it said Tostig could have Northumbria and a third of kingdom if he submitted. HH could have ' 7 feet of English earth'. They both refused offer
HH army opened fire of arches but it was soon hand to hand combat. Saxons were trying to break HH army defense
HH was killed by arrow in the windpipe
Harold offered quarter (negotiations) but Vikings refused and recived reinforcements from Riccall. Vikings managed to push back Saxons, but they began to tire so Vikings pushed back again, broken into small bands and killed off one by one
Harold men push Vikings into a circle which is a good defensive position
Reasons for outcome
Vikings thought they would be respected and would be safe so left lots of weapons, shield and a third of their men on boat when they first arrived
Harold took HH and Tostig by surprise as they didn't even know he was near
HH army tired, small and weakened army from Fulford five days before and weren't expecting to fight again
Vikings mislead as they had been told England hated Harold as King
HH thought Harolds army would be smaller
Harold house earls eventually broke Viking shield wall which shows tey had skill and indurance
HH refused negotiations, hence bloody battle and lots of lives lost
Consequences
Harold let Olaf (HH son) sail away promicing an oath that they wouldn't trouble England again - norweigns no longer a threat
28th Sept William invades. Harold didn't receive info until 1st Oct. Men ahd to mark down south and be tired for battle
Harolds reputations advanced because of HH death
good moral in Harolds army and they were confident as they had won. However, this lkead to overconfidence in Battle of Hastings
showed Harolds power in a region which had troubled kings in the past
Perception of victory wrong. Only won as HH army was weak