Battle of Stamford Bridge

On the death of Edward the Confessor in January 1066, there emerged three main claimants to hos throne- William. Duke of Normandy; Harald Hardrada, king of Norway, a son of Edmund Ir onside, and Harold Godwison, Earl of Wessex. It was Harold who was elected. He was soon aware that the two others were raising armies to claim their inheritance. In September, it was learned that Harald Haedrada had landed and was advancing south, having joined forces with Tostin, Harokd's own brother. The king est out to meet them and the two armies met at Stamford Bridge.By evening both Harold Hardrada and Tostig were  dead and their armies utterly defeated. As Harald began to move south again, his other rival, William of Normandy, had already set sail and was making for England.