The Norwegian Invasion of England in 1066, Volume 8

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Boydell & Brewer Ltd, 1999 - Biography & Autobiography - 322 pages
Three weeks before the battle of Hastings, Harold defeated an invading army of Norwegians at the battle of Stamford Bridge, a victory which was to cost him dear. The events surrounding the battle are discussed in detail.

This very accessible narrative...tells the story of 'the first two important battles of 1066', Fulford Gate and Stamford Bridge, and of the leaders of the opposing English and Norwegian factions. CHOICE
He places the invasion in a broad context. He outlines the Anglo-Scandinavian nature of the English kingdom in the eleventh century, traces the careers of the major leaders, and devotes a chapter each to the English and Norwegian military systems. JOURNAL OF MILITARY HISTORY

William the Conqueror's invasion in 1066 was not the only attack on England that year. On September 25, 1066, less than three weeks before William defeated King Harold II Godwinson at the battle of Hastings, that same Harold had been victorious over his other opponent of 1066, King Haraldr Hardrádi of Norway at the battle of Stamford Bridge. It was an impressive victory, driving an invading army of Norwegians from theearldom of Northumbria; but it was to cost Harold dear. In telling the story of this neglected battle, Kelly DeVries traces the rise and fall of a family of English warlords, the Godwins, as well as that of the equally impressiveNorwegian warlord Hardrádi.

KELLY DEVRIES is Associate Professor, Department of History, Loyola College in Maryland.

 

Contents

Acknowledgements xi
1
Haraldr Hardráðis Travels 3 Kings of England and their Descendants 10161066 228
6
AngloScandinavian England
14
Haraldr Harðráði
23
Godwin and his Family
69
Harold Godwinson
124
Gruffydds Raid on Hereford 1055
137
Harold and Tostig attack Wales 10623
141
The English Military
210
The Invasion
230
Area of Norwegian Conquest
246
The Battle of Fulford Gate 20 September 1066
257
The Battle of Stamford Bridge
262
Major Roads in the Eleventh Century
265
The Battle of Stamford Bridge 25 September 1066
277
Aftermath
297

Harold Godwinson and His Descendants
156
The Conflict Between Harold and Tostig Godwinson
168
The Diffusion of Sources concerning the Conflict between Harold and Godwinson
190
The Norwegian Military
193
Bibliography
301
Index
317
Copyright

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About the author (1999)

Kelly DeVries is Professor of History at Loyola College, Baltimore, USA.