Harald III Hardrada Biography

Birth of Harald III Hardrada, son of Sigmund Syr, a petty King in eastern Norway

Birth of Harald III Hardrada, youngest of King Olaf IIs three half-brothers born to Gudbrandsdatter

Enters the service of Yaroslav, Prince of Kiev

Harald takes part, on the side of Olaf, in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, although wounded, he manages to escape, leaving Norway in exile

Harald takes part, on the side of Olaf, in the Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, although wounded, he manages to escape, leaving Norway in exile

Harald marries Elisabeth, daughter of Yaroslav and granddaughter of King Olof Sk”tkonung of Sweden

Succeeds as King of Norway, rules jointly with Magnus I, 1045-1047

Death of Magnus I during a rebellion in Denmark, leaves Harald as sole ruler

Death of Magnus I during a rebellion in Denmark, leaves Harald as sole ruler

Death of Magnus I during a rebellion in Denmark, leaves Harald as sole ruler

Death of Magnus I during a rebellion in Denmark, leaves Harald as sole ruler

Begins to debase Norways silver currency by mixing it with copper

Harald III Hardrada defeats Sweyn of Denmark at Niz, the two rulers recognize each other as sovereign in their respective countries

Defeats Steinkel & captures parts of south east Sweden

Allies with Tostig after Harold Godwinson is elected King of England by the Witan

Tostig & Harald Hardrada capture Scarborough

Will restore Tostig as Earl of Northumberland for support in his invasion of England. Harald lands in northern England with a force of around 15,000 men and 300 longships

Joins forces with Tostig

Lands at Riccall & then marches on York

Harald III Hardrada arrives with an invasion fleet of 300 ships

Hadrada & Tostig capture York after victory at the Battle of Fulford

With Tostig defeats Edwin, Earl of Mercia, & Morcar, Earl of Northumbria. Wins the Battle of Fulford & occupies York

Wins the Battle of Fulford & occupies York

Occupies York after success at the Battle of Fulford

Believing that King Harold was prepared to surrender and the English to accept his claim to the throne, Harald took about two thirds of his army to collect tribute from the local people, carrying light weapons and wearing only light armour

Both Harald and Earl Tostig are killed & Haralds army was so heavily beaten that only 24 of the 300 longboats used to transport his forces to England were used to carry the survivors back to Norway.

Godwinsons forces surprised Haralds as they collected the tribute from the locals, Godwinsons forces are heavily armed and armoured, and greatly outnumbered Haralds.

Invited by Tostig Godwinson to capture England from Harold II. Harald sails with 300 ships but is defeated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

Killed in battle at Stamford Bridge by forces commanded by Harold Godwinson