Battle of Fulford
Fulford, near York, England
What happened
King Harald Hardrada of Norway, with the exiled Englishman Tostig Godwinson, fought the northern English earls Edwin and Morcar. Harald's army landed near the Humber and marched on York. The earls met it on the bank of the River Ouse, about three kilometres south of the city. The English gained ground at first, but Harald's fresher troops joined the fight and the English were overwhelmed; both earls survived.
Why it matters
The fighting strength of Mercia and Northumbria was broken, leaving the north open. York surrendered to Harald four days later.
What came next
King Harold II marched about 190 miles north in a week and defeated Harald at Stamford Bridge on 25 September. Weeks later Harold faced William of Normandy at Hastings.
Did you know?
Tostig, who fought on the Norwegian side, was the exiled brother of England's King Harold.
Timeline
- 20 September 1066Battle of Fulford.
- 24 September 1066York surrenders to Harald and Tostig.
- 25 September 1066Battle of Stamford Bridge.