On 20 September 1066, a Norwegian army led by King Harald Hardrada defeated the English earls Edwin of Mercia and Morcar of Northumbria at Fulford, just outside York.

The battle came during the struggle for the English crown after Edward the Confessor died in January. Harold Godwinson became king, but both Harald Hardrada and William, Duke of Normandy, challenged his position.

Hardrada crossed the North Sea with a large invasion fleet. Tostig Godwinson, Harold’s exiled brother and former Earl of Northumbria, joined him. Their forces entered the Humber and moved towards York along the River Ouse.

Edwin and Morcar decided to confront the invaders before King Harold could arrive from the south. They met Hardrada and Tostig at Fulford, where marshy ground and the river restricted the battlefield.

The English initially resisted the Norwegian advance, but Hardrada’s forces eventually broke their line. Edwin and Morcar survived, but their army suffered a serious defeat. York subsequently submitted to Hardrada, with arrangements made for hostages and supplies.

The victory left Hardrada in a strong position, but only briefly. Harold took his army north at exceptional speed. On 25 September, five days after Fulford, he surprised Hardrada’s forces at Stamford Bridge. Hardrada and Tostig were killed, and the invasion was defeated.

Two days later, William of Normandy sailed for England. He landed at Pevensey on 28 September, forcing Harold to turn south again.

In less than four weeks, England saw major battles at Fulford, Stamford Bridge and Hastings. Fulford forced Harold to deal with a serious invasion in Yorkshire while another invasion prepared to cross the Channel.