The death of the King Edward the Confessor in January 1066 caused a succession struggle across northern Europe, with several contenders willing to fight for the throne of England.
One such claimant was the King of Norway, Harold Hardrada, who arrived off the north coast of England in September with a fleet of 300 ships packed with around 11,000 Vikings, all anxious to help him in his endeavour.
Hardrada’s Viking army was further strengthened by forces recruited by Tostig Godwinson, brother of Harold Godwinson, who had been selected as the next King of England by the Witenagemot (King’s councillors) following Edwards death.
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