[Bryn-gwlad] Battle of Stanford Bridge

[Eule]

This was the first account of a historical battle that I heard of when I
first joined the SCA.  Thanks for the memories Thomas!

Eule/Steve
Unus sed Leo
 


-----Original Message-----
From: bryn-gwlad-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org
[mailto:bryn-gwlad-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org] On Behalf Of Thomas
Sent: Monday, September 25, 2006 1:08 PM
To: Bryn Gwlad
Subject: [Bryn-gwlad] Battle of Stanford Bridge



940 years ago the Vikings were feeling pretty good on the morning of
September 25th.  Four days before they had defeated the earls of
Northumbria at the Battle of Fulford.  Northern England was theirs. 

The king of England was faraway and the Vikings were relaxing
near Stamford Bridge.   To their unfortunate surprise, King Harold 
Godwinson suddenly showed up and caught them unarmored. 
A single Viking held the bridge while his leaders scrambled to 
prepare, then a fierce battle was joined.   Harald Hardråde and 
Earl Tostig were slain, and the English were victorious.  

It marked the end of the Viking age (though no one realized it 
at the time).   However twas also the beginning of the end for the 
Anglo-Saxon dominion in England.   Less than 3 weeks later, 
Harold's weary troops would face the Normans in the south . . 

                 Thomas _______________________________________________
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