V is for Vikings

A re-enactment of the Battle of Stamford Bridge (1066) earlier this summer. Stamford is a village about 8 miles outside York, and this battle where Harold Godwinson defeated the Norwegian king Harold Hardrada, is often sited as the end of the Viking era in Britain. In these days of equal opportunities I noticed quite a few female Viking warriors, I have no idea if this is authentic or not!
Taking part in ABC Wednesday

Time Out

All that fighting and pillaging can be sooooo exhausting!

Wise Woman

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!

Viking Camp

Whilst all the action was going on at The Bridge (they had two battles so each side could claim a victory) back at the camp the cooking and weaving still had to be done. This very friendly lady was very knowledgeable about many aspects of Viking domestic life. All rather more interesting than the battle actually, though that was fun too.

The Other Battle in 1066

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

The Bridge at Stamford

This is the the modern bridge across the river Derwent at a village called Stamford Bridge. A natural outcrop of sandstone provided a crossing ford here for Roman soldiers, and by 1066 there was a wooden bridge. On Sept 20th 1066 Harold Hardrada and his Viking soldiers had been victorious in battle at Gate Fulford and the gates of York were forced open. The city had no option but to take an oath recognising Hardrada as their king. To ensure the city stayed loyal to him Hardrada demanded hostages, 150 sons of the cities wealthiest families. Hostages were to be exchanged on Sept 25th at the crossroads near Stamford Bridge.
Come back tomorrow to find out what happened next!