Hastings 1066 by Jonathan Trigg

Author:Jonathan Trigg
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780752478555
Publisher: The History Press
Published: 2012-06-07T04:00:00+00:00

Harold took full advantage of the situation, and signalled an immediate attack. Staying mounted, the English swept down the long, gentle slope towards the Derwent, sending the Norse into near panic. Harald and Tostig desperately tried to concentrate their forces on the eastern bank, while those on the western side struggled to get over the small bridge, shielded by a few brave souls who stood as rearguard. Stamford Bridge today is not too dissimilar from how it was then. The Derwent is deep and fast-flowing, about 30 feet wide, with steep and muddy banks. On the far eastern bank the land climbs gently through hedged fields to a sort of plateau now called Battle Flats. This is where the Norwegians were attempting to concentrate. The original bridge across the river was Roman and the stone pillars were still in place, covered in the eleventh century by wooden planking that was only wide enough for two men to pass at a time. Today the road bridge is still narrow, only a single lane, and is near enough in the same place. For both armies it was vital. If the English could take it they would cut the Norwegian army in two and could flood across the river, smashing into Hardrada’s men before they were ready. For the Norse, if they could hold the bridge their main force would have the time to come together, form into battle line and await the reinforcements from Riccall who were instantly summoned to their king’s aid. The bridge was the key to victory, and King Harold’s men charged at it. The English attacked on horseback and the fighting was ferocious. The Norwegian rearguard was cut down one by one until legend has it that a lone giant Viking was all that was left in the way of Harold’s army. This courageous soul stood his ground and held the English at bay, frustrating their attempts to cross as he killed every man who came against him. Eventually an Englishman used a small boat to float underneath the bridge and thrust a spear into the giant Norseman from below and end his resistance. The English streamed across and prepared to go into battle. Harold tried to parley and offered his brother forgiveness and an earldom, whereupon Tostig asked what land his ally Hardrada would receive for his pains. King Harold’s reply has become famous: ‘Seven feet of English earth, or as much more, as he is taller than most men.’

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