1066 And All That Redux Part II - A Viking Interlude
A Viking Interlude 1066 And All That Redux Part Two “[English] warriors All lay fallen In the swampy water Gashed by weapons And the hardy Men of Norway Could cross the marsh On a causeway of corpses.” - King Harald Hardrada of Norway on the Battle of Fulford, 1066 T he English were viciously mauled at the Battle of Fulford by the third contender for the throne 1066 was a record-breaking year of amazing feats. In England, Harold mobilized the local militia, known as the fyrd, throughout the southeastern coast in anticipation of William’s visit. He kept the fyrds mobilized for over four months something which had never been done before and speaks to Harold’s administrative qualities. Across the channel, William was also showing his abilities in assembling and maintaining an army of vassals, allies, and mercenaries. The winds were against him throughout the summer when campaigning would have been ideal. Keeping that motley horde under control thr...