Which Viking king fought at the Battle of Stamford Bridge shortly before Hastings?

Harald Hardrada was the Viking king who fought at the Battle of Stamford Bridge shortly before Hastings. He was King of Norway and invaded northern England in September 1066, seeking to claim the English throne.

Hardrada was joined by Tostig Godwinson, the exiled brother of England’s newly crowned King Harold Godwinson. Their forces defeated northern English armies at Fulford near York on 20 September, but Harold Godwinson responded with a rapid march north. The two armies met at Stamford Bridge on 25 September.

The English victory was decisive: Hardrada was killed, Tostig also died, and the Norwegian invasion collapsed. The battle is often described as the end of the Viking Age in England. However, Harold’s triumph came at a heavy strategic cost. Only three days later, William of Normandy landed in Sussex, forcing Harold to march south again. Exhaustion and losses from Stamford Bridge weakened the English army before the Battle of Hastings on 14 October.