Significance of the Viking Invasion

Question 1

How did the Viking invasion help the Normans?

Answer 1

• The Viking invasion meant that Harold’s army wasn’t waiting on the south coast when the Normans landed in late September 1066.
• Unfortunately, the fyrd had already been disbanded before Harold’s army marched north.

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Although Harold had been victorious, he had lost men at both Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge. These included the professional housecarls. As a result, he could call on fewer experienced warriors to fight against William’s Norman army.