Stamford Bridge: The Final End of the Viking Threat

• The Norwegian army lost both its leaders, as Harald and Tostig both fell on the battlefield. So complete was the rout, in fact, that the Saxons pursued the Vikings all the way back to their fleet at Riccall. Of the 200 ships that sailed from Norway, only 24 returned with their crews intact. The Viking threat to English sovereignty was finally at an end.
• The Saxons had completed a legendary triumph but had little time to savor the victory, as news of an invasion led by William of Normandy found its ways to Harold's army not long after the victory at Stamford Bridge. Turning right around, the Saxons marched back south, there to throw their mettle into the melee against a far fresher and more experienced foe.

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