Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

Tostig was the fourth child of Godwin, earl of Wessex and his wife Gytha. His eldest brother Sweyn died in 1052 and his brother Harold Godwinsson was to become king of England. Tostig was banished with the rest of his family by Edward the Confessor in 1051 but returned with them to invade England the next year and was restored to his earldom of . He was ousted from this position in 1065 because of his oppressive rule and banished to Flanders. In May 1066 he raided the eastern coast of England but was fought off and took refuge in Scotland. He then allied himself with the king of Norway, Harald Hardrada and joined him in the invasion of Northumbria. They were caught unawares by Harold, now king, at Stamford Bridge and both the Viking and the king's brother were killed. It is said that Tostig was offered a truce if he would submit to Harold before the battle, but the rebel demanded to know what his ally Harald could have. When the answer came that Harald could have enough English ground to make his grave, Tostig declined to talk further, showing at the last loyalty of a kind.

See also: Edward the Confessor; Godwin earl of Wessex; Harald Hardrada; Harold Godwinsson; ;Stamford Bridge

Related Reading:

• Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition) - The Fall of Saxon England
  (Campaign 13 )