It was great to see such a wide variety of ages amongst the re-enactors of Saxon and Viking life, this lady really looked the part of a tribal elder. She was knelt down with her cloth bag observing the battle closely and looked like she might be a healer, or as we call them today, St Johns Ambulance!
946 years ago today the Viking warriors of Harold Hardrada met the Saxon soldiers of King Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. After a horrifically bloody encounter Hardrada and most of the Norwegian invaders lay dead.
There was no time for Godwinson to celebrate his victory however, as he had to march his already battered army 226 miles down to Hastings to fight the Normans. Here he was defeated and killed by the man who would be known as William the Conqueror.
Above is a re-enactment of The Battle of Stamford Bridge which took place this weekend. Participants included Volsung Vikings who are based in York.
Taking part in Ruby Tuesday
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