3.8 Battle of Stamford Bridge Flashcards
1
Q
When was the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
A
25th September 1066
2
Q
What were Harold’s preparations? What was his army like?
A
- Harold waited for William during spring + summer months, but he had to allow fyrds to go home on 8th September to harvest crops
- Since he had disbanded his southern army, he moved north with his private army and gathered forces as he went
- Waited overnight with his troops in Tadcaster on 24th September after travelling 306km in 4 days
3
Q
What was the position of Hadrada on 25th September? (2)
A
- Resting + not expecting a battle
- Waiting for hostages to be delivered from Battle of Fulford Gate by Edwin + Morcar
4
Q
What were the main events of the Battle of Stamford Bridge? (4)
A
- On 25th September Harold entered York and reached viking troop at Stamford Bridge
- AS had advantage of surprise
- Harold tried to get Tostig to join him by promising his land back => didn’t work
- Competed on opposite sides of River Derwent - Vikings hadn’t defended Bridge properly
5
Q
What do some historians believe happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?
A
Believe there was a giant Norwegian who stood on the bridge with an axe and killed 40 AS. He was killed later by some AS who floated under the bridge in a barrel and stabbed him between the legs.
6
Q
What were the results of the Battle of Stamford Bridge? (2)
A
- Hadrada and Tostig were killed
- Harold wins, but was tired afterwards
7
Q
Why were the English successful? (2)
A
- Successes for Harold
- Failures of Norwegians
8
Q
What were the successes for Harold? (2)
A
- Travelled quickly and surprised Norwegians
- Successfully defeated the lone Norwegian, who was defending the bridge and reached other side of the river
9
Q
What were the failures of the Norwegians? (2)
A
- Hadn’t been prepared/suspecting Harold’s arrival so quickly
- Hadn’t defended the bridge across the River Derwent properly
