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Battle of Fulford, Yorkshire: Harald III Hardrada of Norway defeats Northern Saxon Earls Edwin and Morcar

The Battle of Fulford was fought on the outskirts of the village of Fulford, just south of York in England, on 20 September 1066.

The Battle of Fulford was fought on the outskirts of the village of Fulford, just south of York in England, on 20 September 1066. King Harald III of Norway, also known as Harald Hardrada, a claimant to the English throne, and Tostig Godwinson, his English ally, fought and defeated the Northern Earls Edwin and Morcar.

Hardrada's army consisted of allies from Orkney and a contingent with Tostig, as well as those coming from Norway. They crossed the sea in a fleet of ships and made their base east of York at Riccall. On 20 September 1066 the Vikings advanced towards York. The largely inexperienced Saxon army led by Morcar at York and Edwin at Tadcaster moved to block the invaders.

Historical Significance

The Battle of Fulford was fought on the outskirts of the village of Fulford, just south of York in England, on 20 September 1066.

Events Before

  1. Papal bull "In nomine Domini" (In the Name of the Lord) issued by Pope Nicholas II establishing popes elected by Bishops

    Papal bull "In nomine Domini" (In the Name of the Lord) issued by Pope Nicholas II establishing popes elected by Bishops and Cardinals not appointed by their predecessor

  2. Béla I is crowned King of Hungary in Székesfehérvár

    Béla I the Boxer or the Wisent (Hungarian: I. Bajnok or Bölény Béla, Slovak: Belo I.; c. 1015 – 11 September 1063) was King of Hungary from 1060 until his death.

  3. The body of the first bishop of Tournai, Saint Eleutherius of Tournai, is translated (moved)

    The body of the first bishop of Tournai, Saint Eleutherius of Tournai, is translated (moved)

  4. A new church devoted to St Peter the Apostle is founded and consecrated by Edward the Confessor in London, later called

    A new church devoted to St Peter the Apostle is founded and consecrated by Edward the Confessor in London, later called Westminster Abbey. It is rebuilt in the Gothic style during the mid-13th century. [1]

  5. Pilgrims under Bishop Gunther of Bamberg reach Jerusalem

    Gunther (1025/1030 – 23 July 1065) was a German nobleman and prelate of the Holy Roman Empire.

Events After

  1. Baldwin VI becomes Count of Flanders

    Baldwin VI becomes Count of Flanders

  2. Roquefort cheese created in a cave near Roquefort, France

    Roquefort cheese created in a cave near Roquefort, France

  3. Arnulf III the Hapless becomes Earl of Flanders

    Arnulf III the Hapless becomes Earl of Flanders

  4. Battle of Cassel; Robert I the Frisian defeats Arnulf III/I

    Robert I (1035 – 13 October 1093), known as Robert the Frisian, was count of Flanders from 1071 until his death in 1093.

  5. Bari falls to Robert Guiscard's Norman forces, ending Byzantine rule in Italy

    Bari falls to Robert Guiscard's Norman forces, ending Byzantine rule in Italy

More from the 1060s

Battle of Stamford Bridge: English army under King Harold II defeats invading Norwegians led by King Harald Hardrada and

Battle of Stamford Bridge: English army under King Harold II defeats invading Norwegians led by King Harald Hardrada and Harold's brother Tostig, who are both killed

William the Conqueror's troops set sail from Normandy to invade England

William the Conqueror (1028 – 9 September 1087), sometimes called William the Bastard, was the first Norman king of England (as William I), reigning from 1066 until his death.

William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, lands at Pevensey Bay in Sussex, beginning the Norman Conquest of England

William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, lands at Pevensey Bay in Sussex, beginning the Norman Conquest of England

Battle of Hastings: William, Duke of Normandy and his Norman army defeat the English forces of Harold II, who is killed

Battle of Hastings: William, Duke of Normandy and his Norman army defeat the English forces of Harold II, who is killed in the battle

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on September 20, 1066?
The Battle of Fulford was fought on the outskirts of the village of Fulford, just south of York in England, on 20 September 1066. King Harald III of Norway, also known as Harald Hardrada, a claimant to the English throne, and Tostig Godwinson, his English ally, fought and defeated the Northern Earls Edwin and Morcar. Hardrada's army consisted of allies from Orkney and a contingent with Tostig, as well as those coming from Norway.
Why is Battle of Fulford, Yorkshire: Harald III Hardrada of Norway defeats Northern ... significant?
The Battle of Fulford was fought on the outskirts of the village of Fulford, just south of York in England, on 20 September 1066.

Explore More

September 20 in HistoryYear 1066