Battle of Stamford Bridge

The Battle of Stamford Bridge was a major conflict in the Norman Conquest occurring on 25 September 1066 involving Viking King Harald Hardrada and Saxon King Harold II.

Harald attacked with three hundred longboats carrying his army to the north of England. He defeated the Northern Earls at Gate Fulford. Harold II travelled north and launched a surprise attack, defeating the unsuspecting Viking army. However, news soon arrived that William had invaded Sussex. (TV: Co-Owner of a Lonely Heart)

Following this, Harold was defeated by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, in the Battle of Hastings. Travelling back to 1066, the Monk planned to sabotage a Viking raid in order to ensure Harold's victory at Hastings, noting that the main reason he lost was because he had to march to Stamford Bridge and face the Vikings first. Ultimately, he was prevented from doing so when a group of Saxons ran the Monk out of his monastery. (TV: The Time Meddler)