August 1066FleetHarald Hardrada Harald III
Harald Hardrada prepares a Norwegian fleet for the invasion of England
Historical records for Norway in 1066, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Harald Hardrada prepares a Norwegian fleet for the invasion of England
Harald's invading force attacks Scarborough while moving down the north-eastern coast toward Yorkshire.
Harald sails up the River Ouse and establishes his fleet base at Riccall before advancing toward York.
Harald Hardrada defeats the northern English army 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
Harald defeats the forces of Edwin and Morcar at Fulford, opening the way to the submission of 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.
Harald Hardrada is killed during the Battle of Stamford Bridge
Killed in battle at Stamford Bridge by forces commanded by Harold Godwinson
Harald fights in the Norwegian line until he is killed and the invasion loses its principal commander.
Harald moves to Stamford Bridge expecting hostages and supplies from York instead of an immediate English attack.
The Norwegian army suffers heavy losses and its English campaign collapses
Olaf Haraldsson survives and helps lead remnants of the Norwegian fleet home
Harald's army is surprised by Harold II while many Norwegian troops are away from the fleet without their full armour.
The Norwegian army advances inland as York becomes the main northern objective
Harald Hardrada gathers allies in the northern seas before landing in England
Olaf Haraldsson accompanies the Norwegian fleet during the invasion campaign
Harald Hardrada demands hostages from York after the Norwegian victory
Harald III Hardrada arrives with an invasion fleet of 300 ships
Norwegian forces appear off the north east coast and move toward Yorkshire
Haralds fleet anchors at Riccall while the army advances toward York
The Norwegian invasion fleet sails across the North Sea toward northern England
Hadrada & Tostig capture York after victory at the Battle of Fulford
Harald secures York's submission after Fulford and requires hostages and support for his campaign.
Allies with Tostig after Harold Godwinson is elected King of England by the Witan
Tostig & Harald Hardrada capture Scarborough
Harald Hardrada claims the English throne through earlier Scandinavian royal agreements
Harald advances a claim to the English throne based on earlier Scandinavian agreements and the legacy of Danish rule.
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 takes the raven battle standard known as Landwaster on his final expedition toward England.
Survivors of the Norwegian invasion return home after the failure at Stamford Bridge
Olaf Kyrre emerges as ruler in Norway after the death of Harald Hardrada
Succeeds as King of Norway
Harald accepts Tostig Godwinson as an ally in a joint attempt to overthrow Harold II and conquer England.
This page is generated from stored World History Database records matching the exact country and year shown above. Exact duplicate display records are collapsed. Records without a month are listed after the monthly sections. Source provenance varies by record; formal academic citation should be checked against the relevant primary source, archive or specialist historical reference.