King Harold at York - receives news
of the Norman Invasion
Harold was at
York, still rejoicing over his recent victory, delivering
England from her ancient Scandinavian foes. He and his loyal
Knights were celebrating their victory over Harald Hardrada
and the treacherous Earl Tostig.
King Harold was
resettling the government of the counties which King Harald
Hardrada had overrun, when the news reached him that Duke
William of Normandy and his invasion force had landed on the
Sussex shore.
The Battle at
Stamford Bridge had followed a forced-march from the South of
England. The Battle was fought on 25th September. He received
the news of the Norman invasion on the 1st October. Harold had
no option but to immediately hurry south to meet his
long-expected Norman enemy.
The severe loss
that his army had sustained in the battle with the Norwegians
meant many of his experienced troops were unable to accompany
him in his second forced march. He needed to replenish his
army. The decision was made to march to first march to London,
and then on to Sussex, where he would again fight yet another
massive invasion force in under one month.
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