Note: After the death of Edward the Confessor in 1066, Harald Hardrada, Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy all laid claim to the throne.
Harald Hardrada
Norway
Harald Sigurdsson was born in 1016 and was the half brother of Olaf II, King of Norway. In 1047, after the death of his nephew, he became king. A few years later he took the name Hardrada, or 'hard ruler', due to his ways of surpressing the opposition.
Then, in 1066, King Harald Hardrada recieved a fatal blow to the neck. It was at Stamford Bridge that all he and his ally Tostig were killed, along with all of his Vikings
Then, in 1066, King Harald Hardrada recieved a fatal blow to the neck. It was at Stamford Bridge that all he and his ally Tostig were killed, along with all of his Vikings
"Harald Hardrada is often regarded as the last great Viking warrior. In his life, Harald travelled from Norway and Sweden, all the way to Russia, south to Constantinople, where he was both commander of the elite Varangian guards and thrown into prison. He fought in Sicily and Bulgaria, and visited Jerusalem. He married a Russian princess, and ruled as a Norwegian King. He died a thousand miles away from Byzantium and Kiev, fighting on the shores of England."
King Harold the II (Harold Godwinson)
England
Harold was born in 1022 and became the Earl of Wessex in 1053. Laid claim to the throne and was crowned King of England in 1066.
In 1065, Harold Godwinson's brother, Earl Tostig, had joined ranks with Nowegian Viking Harald Hardrada. (Treason and treachery!) At Stamford Bridge on Sept. 26, 1066, Harold offered his banished brother the chance to lay down his arms and join him. When Tostig asked what he would offer Harald Hardrada, Harold famously replied, “Six feet of English ground, or as much more as he might need as he is taller than most men.” So ended the negotiations.
Victor at Stamford Bridge.
Harold was born in 1022 and became the Earl of Wessex in 1053. Laid claim to the throne and was crowned King of England in 1066.
In 1065, Harold Godwinson's brother, Earl Tostig, had joined ranks with Nowegian Viking Harald Hardrada. (Treason and treachery!) At Stamford Bridge on Sept. 26, 1066, Harold offered his banished brother the chance to lay down his arms and join him. When Tostig asked what he would offer Harald Hardrada, Harold famously replied, “Six feet of English ground, or as much more as he might need as he is taller than most men.” So ended the negotiations.
Victor at Stamford Bridge.
William the Conqueror
Normandy
Born in 1027 as the illigitimate son of Robert of Normady. William inherited his father's titles after his father died in 1035. In 1045 he began to govern Normandy and in 1051 he too laid claim to the throne of Edward the Confessor.
Victor at Hastings and conqueror of England.
Born in 1027 as the illigitimate son of Robert of Normady. William inherited his father's titles after his father died in 1035. In 1045 he began to govern Normandy and in 1051 he too laid claim to the throne of Edward the Confessor.
Victor at Hastings and conqueror of England.
