Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2016
Last exams 2025
The Battle of Stamford Bridge, 25th September 1066 (Edexcel GCSE History)
Revision Note
Written by: Zoe Wade
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
How did Edwin and Morcar Impact Harold's Defence of The Throne?- Summary
Edwin and Morcar had shown their loyalty to Harold. They led their army into battle against Harald Hardrada, a respected and powerful military leader. The Battle of Gate Fulford ended in a victory for Hardrada. Edwin and Morcar had delayed Hardrada's invasion force. They agreed to a transaction of hostages and money to Hardrada and Tostig.
Edwin and Morcar survived the conflict at Gate Fulford. However, historians believe that they fought no other battle for Harold. This is because the Anglo-Saxon sources do not mention Edwin and Morcar in future conflicts. Historians debate the reasons why, and the impact of Morcar and Edwin's absence at Stamford Bridge and Hastings. Harold's army would have lost strength without Morcar and Edwin. As the earls of Mercia and Northumbria, they would have contributed significantly to the number of housecarls and fyrd that supported Harold. Their absence may have impacted the outcome of the Battle of Hastings for Harold.
Reasons Behind the Battle of Stamford Bridge
Hardrada and Tostig defeated Edwin and Morcar's army at the Battle of Gate Fulford
The victory showed the strength of Hardrada's military
Hardrada and Tostig captured hostages
The men demanded hostages from York and around Yorkshire
Eleventh-century warfare encouraged the seizure of hostages to ensure both sides kept their agreements
Each side agreed to exchange hostages for other hostages or money after the battle
Hardrada and Tostig set up camp at Stamford Bridge, about 15 miles away from Fulford
On 25th September, both men expected Morcar and Edwin to arrive at Stamford Bridge to exchange hostages for money
Why did Harold Godwinson Win at Stamford Bridge?
Key Events of the Battle of Stamford Bridge
Harold's march to the North had gained the king 10,000 soldiers
He learnt about Morcar and Edwin's hostage deal on his journey to York
He and his army arrived at Stamford Bridge on 25th September
Harold launched a surprise attack on Hardrada
Harold's army used a small hill by Stamford Bridge to approach Hardrada undetected
Hardrada's army was not prepared for an attack
Hardrada believed that the purpose of meeting the English was just to transfer hostages
A third of Hardrada's troops were ten miles away from Stamford Bridge
Many of Hardrada's remaining troops, 6,000 in total at Stamford Bridge, did not have armour
The Vikings were able to delay the English attack
A myth stated that one Viking axeman held the bridge over the River Derwent for some time, killing 40 Anglo-Saxons
The legend states that an Anglo-Saxon floated under the bridge and stabbed the Viking from below
The battle ended as a victory for Harold
Harold killed his brother, Tostig
An arrow to the neck killed Hardrada
Reasons for Harold's Victory
Without having armour, the Vikings could not protect themselves from the Anglo-Saxon attack
They were also heavily outnumbered by Harold's forces
The element of surprise was also decisive in Harold's victory
Hardrada's army did not have the energy to fight
They had only won the Battle of Gate Fulford five days before this conflict
Hardrada's men lost confidence in their cause
Tostig had informed Hardrada that Harold was not popular in England
The size and devotion of Harold's army showed Hardrada's soldiers that this was not true
Harold's troops were better prepared for the battle
His housecarls broke through the Viking's protective shield wall
Harold's soldiers demonstrated their superior fighting ability
Stamford Bridge would end up being a costly victory for Harold
Worked Example
Describe one feature of the Battle of Stamford Bridge
2 marks
Answer:
One feature of the Battle of Stamford Bridge was Harold's battle strategy (1). Harold used a small hill near Stamford Bridge to hide his troops. This allowed him to launch a surprise attack on Hardrada (1).
Examiner Tips and Tricks
An exam question based on this section could ask you to explain why Harold won the Battle of Stamford Bridge. There are multiple reasons, as shown above. However, the key successes of Harold's strategy were:
Harold launching a surprise attack on Hardrada
Hardrada's army being unprepared and exhausted
The size of Harold's army
This is a 12-mark question. Ensure you write three paragraphs that:
P - Make a point about the question
E - Use evidence that supports the point that you have made
E - Explain why this evidence caused Harold to win the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Avoid repeating the point again. Explain how this factor caused Harold to have an advantage over Hardrada
L - Link your explanation back to the question by stating how significant this factor is Harold's victory
The Significance of the Battle of Stamford Bridge
The Battle of Stamford Bridge was a significant victory for Harold
He eliminated Hardrada as a claimant to the throne
Hardrada was the best fighter out of all of the contenders for the English throne
His defeat showed Harold's ability as a military leader
Consequence | How did this impact Harold? |
|---|---|
On around 1st October, Harold heard that William, Duke of Normandy had landed on the south coast of England | Harold believed that it was too late in the year for William to make the crossing of the English Channel. As a result, he had disbanded the southern fyrd. He was also hundreds of miles away from William's invasion force. He could not prevent William from attacking and pillaging the south coast |
Edwin and Morcar had made military mistakes at Gate Fulford | Edwin and Morcar had weakened Harold's forces, as had the Battle of Stamford Bridge. He had a lower number of men to defend England from William |
Harold's army had fought a hard-won battle against Hardrada | His soldiers would have felt in good spirits after their victory, but Harold's men had no energy. Harold marched his housecarls down to meet William on the south coast without rest after the battle |
Harold was confident after his defeat of Hardrada. He believed that he had eliminated his biggest military threat | Harold chose an open battle with William rather than taking shelter behind the fortifications of London. He and his Witan expected an attack from William. They believed that they had well-prepared tactics against William's forces |
Cause and Consequences of the Battle of Stamford Bridge
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