On what date did Harold defeat Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge?

Harold defeated Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066.

The English king Harold Godwinson marched north after learning that Harald Hardrada of Norway and Harold’s rebellious brother, Tostig, had invaded Yorkshire. His army surprised the invaders near Stamford Bridge, east of York, only days after the Norwegians’ victory at Fulford.

The battle was a major English victory. Hardrada and Tostig were killed, and the Norwegian army suffered such heavy losses that survivors reportedly needed only 24 ships to return home from a fleet of about 300. The battle effectively ended Norway’s attempt to conquer England.

A common mix-up is confusing this date with 28 September, when William of Normandy landed at Pevensey, or 14 October, the date of the later Battle of Hastings. Harold’s exhausting forced march south after Stamford Bridge helped create the circumstances for that second battle.