Norman Conquest Encyclopedia
Gate Fulford
England was between two enemies in 1066. On the south coast the fyrd stood sentinel in expectation of an invasion by William the Bastard. In the north the renegade Tostig, brother of Harold Godwinsson, now King Harold II, was in alliance with the Norwegian contender for the crown of England, Harald Hardrada. In the first week of September the blow fell in the north. With a huge fleet, over 300 ships, the Vikings sailed up the Humber and made camp at Riccall. They then marched on York and were met by the Earls Edwin and Morcar south of the city at Gate Fulford on 20 September. They faced one another across a ditch between the River Ouse and a marsh near Heslington. The Norsemen prevailed, entered the city and forced a surrender. Hardrada then withdrew to Stamford Bridge to await a delegation to conclude terms. It was here that Harold II caught and destroyed him only five days later.
See also: Edwin of Mercia; Fyrd; Harald Hardrada; Harold Godwinsson; Morcar of Northumbria; Tostig; Vikings; William the Bastard
Related Reading:
- Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition) - The Fall of Saxon England
(Campaign 13 ) - The Vikings
(Elite 3)