Stamford Bridge, Battle of

Battle on 25 September 1066 at Stamford Bridge, a crossing of the Derwent 14 km/9 mi northeast of York, England, at which Harold II defeated and killed Harold Hardraada, King of Norway, and Tostig, the English king's exiled brother. Harold then marched south to face the Normans at the Battle of Hastings.

Harold was in the south with an army he had collected to meet the anticipated invasion by the Normans, and upon news of the Norse invasion immediately marched north. He confronted the Norse army at Stamford Bridge and offered Harald generous compensation if he retired or seven feet of earth for a grave if he stayed. Harald elected for the latter and a fierce battle ensued, in the course of which both Harald and Tostig were killed and the Norse army driven back to their ships, to flee to Norway. A few days later, news came that William the Conqueror had landed at Pevensey; Harold marched south and with a weary army fought the Battle of Hastings.