What happened at the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

L/O – To examine the events of the battle and to judge who was now favourite to win the crown

Can you remember who they were?

Harold becomes King of England• When Edward the

Confessor died on 5th January 1066, the Witan elected Harold Godwinson king the next day.

1. Why do you think they elected Harold to be king?

2. What problems does Harold now face as king?

Harold becomes King of England• Harold was crowned

king in Westminster Abbey (London) on 6th January 1066.

• But he had no time to celebrate, Harald Hardraada and William of Normandy both wanted to take the crown by force.

Harold, son of Earl Godwin, was chosen king by the chief noblemen of England…

Florence of Worcester, 1115

Harold’s Dilemma – Where would you place your troops?

Harald Hardraada

William of Normandy

Harold’s Dilemma• King Harold knew

that he would have a lot of difficulty holding onto England. He did not know which of his enemies would make the first move, but he assumed it would be William, so he stationed his troops on the south coast.

Hardraada Invades• Unfortunately for Harold, his gamble did not

pay off. The first person to invade was Harald Hardraada. William was waiting for the right wind for his ships.

• Hardraada arrived at the mouth of the Tyne with more than 300 ships (10,000 men) on 20th September 1066. The earls Edwin and Morcar fought the Norwegians, but eventually lost.

• Harold had to march his army north to meet Hardraada, and then get back to the south again before the wind changed and allowed William to invade.

Tasks

• Read pages 14-15

• Answer questions 1-2

Then came our King Harold on the Norwegians unawares, and met them beyond York at Stamford …

Harald Hardraada was killed, and Earl Tosti; the Norwegians that were left were put to flight … Only 24

ships returned to Norway.The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle

The Battle of Stamford BridgeThe Battle of Stamford Bridge was a great victory for Harold, but two days later the wind changed and William’s invasion fleet set sail. William landed at Pevensey on the Sussex coast on 28th September.

Why was the change in the wind such bad timing? Who had the better chance of winning the next battle? Why?

Plenary

1. ‘Who do you believe is now favourite to become King?’ Why? Explain your

reason.

2. Who is definitely out of the contest?

Did we meet our learning objective?L/O – To examine the events of the battle and to judge who was now favourite to win the crown