Chapter XIV

THE NORWEGIAN INVASION AND THE CAMPAIGN OF STAMFORDBRIDGE.
May–September, 1066.

Course of events before William’s invasion 323

§ 1. _The First Expedition of Tostig. May, 1066._

Easter, Harold in full possession of England 324
1066

May Tostig lands in Wight; his ravages 324–325

May– Great preparations of Harold; he hastens to
September meet Tostig 325–326

Tostig ravages Lindesey; he is driven away by
Eadwine and Morkere, and takes refuge in
Scotland 326–327

§ 2. _Tostig’s Applications to Swend and Harold Hardrada._

Saga of Harold Hardrada; mythical character of its
details 327–328

1064 War between Harold Hardrada and Swend; peace
concluded between them 328

Contradictions between the English, Norwegian, and
Norman stories 329

Norwegian version; Tostig asks help of Swend and
is refused 329–330

He goes to Harold Hardrada; discussion between
Tostig and Harold 331–333

Harold determines on the expedition; no mention
of any Thing as consulted; Norwegian estimate of
the English Housecarls 333–334

§ 3. _The Invasion of Harold Hardrada. September, 1066._

Preparations of Harold of England for the defence
of the South; the North left to Eadwine and
Morkere; difficulty of keeping the _fyrd_ on
foot 335–337

September The army disbanded; Harold returns to London with
8, 1066 the fleet; question of naval operations against
the Normans 338–339

Harold Hardrada sets sail; he designs to reign in
England; his wives, children, and treasures 339–341

Greatness of the expedition; the last Scandinavian
expedition against England; omens on the voyage 341–343

Harold Hardrada in Orkney 344

1014–1064 Reign of Thorfinn in Orkney 344

Tostig and Harold Hardrada meet in the Tyne 345

Policy of Malcolm; accession of various princes
and volunteers 345–346

The fleet on the coast of Yorkshire; its ravages;
burning of Scarborough; the English fleet
retires into the Wharf 346–347

The Northmen sail up the Humber, and land at
Riccall; Tostig and Harold Hardrada march on
York 348–349

Wednesday, Eadwine and Morkere march to meet them; Battle of
September Fulford; defeat of the English 349–351
20, 1066

Sunday, 24 Surrender of York 352–353

§ 4. _The March of Harold and the Battle of Stamfordbridge._

Hostages from Yorkshire to be delivered to Harold
Hardrada at Stamfordbridge; description of
Stamfordbridge and Aldby 353–356

Position of the Norwegian army 357

News of the Norwegian landing brought to Harold
of England; he determines to march to the North;
legend of his sickness and recovery 357–360

Harold’s march; gathering of recruits 360–362

Sunday, 24 He reaches Tadcaster and reviews the fleet 362

Monday, 25 He passes through York; Battle of Stamfordbridge 362–363

The Norwegian Saga; its mythical character 363–367

Sudden advance of the English; loyalty of the
country 367–368

The battle begins on the right side of the Derwent 369

The bridge defended by a single Northman 369–370

The English cross the bridge; main fight on the
left side; complete victory of the English 370–371

Deaths of Tostig, Harold Hardrada, &c.; escape of
Godred; burial of Tostig 371–373

Harold’s mild dealing with Olaf 374–375

October 1? Harold at York; news of William’s landing 375–376