Fleet
Harald Hardrada prepares a Norwegian fleet for the invasion of England
Permanent historical records · Updated 2026-11-03
1066 in Norway
Explore 41 historical events and records for Norway in 1066.
Historical records for Norway in 1066
Sorted by month and day. Records with no month are shown last. Showing 40 of 41 unique records.
41Unique records
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32Named events on this page
7Named people on this page
12Places on this page
August
September
Scarborough Raid
Harald's invading force attacks Scarborough while moving down the north-eastern coast toward Yorkshire.
River Ouse Advance
Harald sails up the River Ouse and establishes his fleet base at Riccall before advancing toward York.
Battle
Harald Hardrada defeats the northern English army at the Battle of Fulford
Battle of Fulford
With Tostig defeats Edwin, Earl of Mercia, & Morcar, Earl of Northumbria. Wins the Battle of Fulford & occupies York
Capture of York
Wins the Battle of Fulford & occupies York
Northern Earls Defeated
Harald defeats the forces of Edwin and Morcar at Fulford, opening the way to the submission of York.
Siege of York
Occupies York after success at the Battle of Fulford
Battle of Stamford Bridge
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
Battle of Stamford Bridge
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.
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Godwinsons forces surprised Haralds as they collected the tribute from the locals, Godwinsons forces are heavily armed and armoured, and greatly outnumbered Haralds.
Battle of Stamford Bridge
Invited by Tostig Godwinson to capture England from Harold II. Harald sails with 300 ships but is defeated at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.
Death of Harald Hardrada
Harald Hardrada is killed during the Battle of Stamford Bridge
Death of Harald III Hardrada
Killed in battle at Stamford Bridge by forces commanded by Harold Godwinson
Final Stand
Harald fights in the Norwegian line until he is killed and the invasion loses its principal commander.
Hostage Rendezvous
Harald moves to Stamford Bridge expecting hostages and supplies from York instead of an immediate English attack.
Losses
The Norwegian army suffers heavy losses and its English campaign collapses
Retreat
Olaf Haraldsson survives and helps lead remnants of the Norwegian fleet home
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.
Advance
The Norwegian army advances inland as York becomes the main northern objective
Alliance Norway and Great Britain
Harald Hardrada gathers allies in the northern seas before landing in England
Expedition
Olaf Haraldsson accompanies the Norwegian fleet during the invasion campaign
Hostages
Harald Hardrada demands hostages from York after the Norwegian victory
Invasion of England
Harald III Hardrada arrives with an invasion fleet of 300 ships
Landing
Norwegian forces appear off the north east coast and move toward Yorkshire
Occupation
Haralds fleet anchors at Riccall while the army advances toward York
Sailing
The Norwegian invasion fleet sails across the North Sea toward northern England
Siege of York
Hadrada & Tostig capture York after victory at the Battle of Fulford
York Capitulation
Harald secures York's submission after Fulford and requires hostages and support for his campaign.
Other events (month unknown)
Alliance Harald III Hardrada and Tostig
Allies with Tostig after Harold Godwinson is elected King of England by the Witan
Capture of Scarborough
Tostig & Harald Hardrada capture Scarborough
Claim
Harald Hardrada claims the English throne through earlier Scandinavian royal agreements
English Crown Claim
Harald advances a claim to the English throne based on earlier Scandinavian agreements and the legacy of Danish rule.
Invasion of England
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
Invasion of England
Joins forces with Tostig
Invasion of England
Lands at Riccall & then marches on York
Landwaster Banner
Harald takes the raven battle standard known as Landwaster on his final expedition toward England.
Return
Survivors of the Norwegian invasion return home after the failure at Stamford Bridge
Succession
Olaf Kyrre emerges as ruler in Norway after the death of Harald Hardrada
Succession
Succeeds as King of Norway
How these records were prepared
Generated from the World History Database historical_events table. Identical display records are collapsed; descriptions otherwise retain the stored text. Coverage and source quality vary. Check primary and specialist sources before citing individual historical claims.