Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

The defensive formation adopted by Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge where he was caught by Harold Godwinsson after the fall of York in 1066 was that of the shield wall or skaldborgr . The Vikings were in a circular formation with their shields overlapped. The Bayeux Tapestry shows the English forming a shield wall on Senlac Hill a few weeks later. Such formations would have been effective against attack by missiles from archers or spearmen, and where the men behind the wall used spears it would give problems to cavalry. In close quarter fighting, however, it would inhibit the use of sword or axe and would have to be, in part at least, broken up.

See also: Archers; axe; Bayeux Tapestry; Harald Hardrada; Harold Godwinsson; Senlac Hill; spear; Stamford Bridge; sword; Vikings; York

Related Reading:

• Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition)- The Fall of Saxon England
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• Viking Hersir 793-1066 AD
  (Warrior 3)