While Harold was preparing to defend his new kingdom, Harald Hardrada of Norway allied with Tostig Godwinson and launched an invasion from the north. Their forces landed in northern England, aiming to seize the crown.

The first major clash was the Battle of Fulford near York on September 20, where the invading Norwegian army defeated the English earls Edwin and Morcar. This victory gave Harald Hardrada a foothold in England, threatening the north and destabilizing Harold’s kingdom.

The Battle of Stamford Bridge (September 25, 1066)

Only five days after Fulford, Harold Godwinson marched his army over 180 miles north in an astonishingly swift response. On September 25, Harold’s forces surprised the Norwegians at Stamford Bridge.

The battle was fierce and decisive. Despite the Norwegians’ reputation as fierce warriors, Harold’s army overwhelmed Hardrada’s forces, killing both Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson. This victory effectively ended the Norwegian claim to the English throne and removed one major threat to Harold’s rule.

However, the victory came at a cost. Harold’s army was exhausted, depleted, and far from home when a new threat loomed on the southern coast.

The Norman Invasion and the Battle of Hastings (October 14, 1066)

Barely two weeks after Stamford Bridge, William, Duke of Normandy, landed his invasion force at Pevensey on the southern coast of England. His claim to the throne and preparation for conquest had been in motion for months.

King Harold hurried south to confront the Norman invasion. On October 14, 1066, the two armies met at the Battle of Hastings — one of the most famous battles in English history.

The battle was long and brutal, lasting from dawn until dusk. Harold’s forces initially held strong on the defensive position atop Senlac Hill, but William’s Norman cavalry, archers, and infantry used tactical feints, including the infamous “feigned retreat,” to break the English shield wall.

King Harold was killed during the battle—legend says he was shot in the eye with an arrow, although the exact circumstances remain debated. With Harold’s death and the defeat of his army, Norman victory was secured shutdown123