King Harold at York - receives news of the Norman InvasionHarold was at York, still rejoicing over his recent victory, delivering England from her ancient Scandinavian foes. He and his loyal Knights were celebrating their victory over Harald Hardrada and the treacherous Earl Tostig. King Harold was resettling the government of the counties which King Harald Hardrada had overrun, when the news reached him that Duke William of Normandy and his invasion force had landed on the Sussex shore. The Battle at Stamford Bridge had followed a forced-march from the South of England. The Battle was fought on 25th September. He received the news of the Norman invasion on the 1st October. Harold had no option but to immediately hurry south to meet his long-expected Norman enemy. The severe loss that his army had sustained in the battle with the Norwegians meant many of his experienced troops were unable to accompany him in his second forced march. He needed to replenish his army. The decision was made to march to first march to London, and then on to Sussex, where he would again fight yet another massive invasion force in under one month.
| 
