Fleet
Harald Hardrada prepares a Norwegian fleet for the invasion of England
Role range: 1046-1066
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Harald Hardrada Biography and Timeline
Follow Harald Hardrada through 20 dated historical records for Norway.
Harald Hardrada, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
20Distinct records
1 of 1Page
1066–1066Years on this page
1066
Scarborough Raid
Harald's invading force attacks Scarborough while moving down the north-eastern coast toward Yorkshire.
Role range: 1066-1066 – 1046-1066
River Ouse Advance
Harald sails up the River Ouse and establishes his fleet base at Riccall before advancing toward York.
Role range: 1066-1066 – 1046-1066
Battle
Harald Hardrada defeats the northern English army at the Battle of Fulford
Role range: 1066-1066
Northern Earls Defeated
Harald defeats the forces of Edwin and Morcar at Fulford, opening the way to the submission of York.
Role range: 1066-1066 – 1046-1066
Death of Harald Hardrada
Harald Hardrada is killed during the Battle of Stamford Bridge
Role range: 1046-1066
Final Stand
Harald fights in the Norwegian line until he is killed and the invasion loses its principal commander.
Role range: 1066-1066 – 1046-1066
Hostage Rendezvous
Harald moves to Stamford Bridge expecting hostages and supplies from York instead of an immediate English attack.
Role range: 1066-1066 – 1046-1066
Surprised without Full Armour
Harald's army is surprised by Harold II while many Norwegian troops are away from the fleet without their full armour.
Role range: 1066-1066 – 1046-1066
Advance
The Norwegian army advances inland as York becomes the main northern objective
Role range: 1066-1066
Alliance Norway and Great Britain
Harald Hardrada gathers allies in the northern seas before landing in England
Role range: 1066-1066
Hostages
Harald Hardrada demands hostages from York after the Norwegian victory
Role range: 1066-1066
Landing
Norwegian forces appear off the north east coast and move toward Yorkshire
Role range: 1066-1066
Occupation
Haralds fleet anchors at Riccall while the army advances toward York
Role range: 1066-1066
Sailing
The Norwegian invasion fleet sails across the North Sea toward northern England
Role range: 1066-1066
York Capitulation
Harald secures York's submission after Fulford and requires hostages and support for his campaign.
Role range: 1066-1066 – 1046-1066
Claim
Harald Hardrada claims the English throne through earlier Scandinavian royal agreements
Role range: 1046-1066
English Crown Claim
Harald advances a claim to the English throne based on earlier Scandinavian agreements and the legacy of Danish rule.
Role range: 1066-1066 – 1046-1066
Landwaster Banner
Harald takes the raven battle standard known as Landwaster on his final expedition toward England.
Role range: 1066-1066 – 1046-1066
Tostig Alliance Confirmed
Harald accepts Tostig Godwinson as an ally in a joint attempt to overthrow Harold II and conquer England.
Role range: 1066-1066 – 1046-1066
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.