Although Harald originally launched an offensive against Magnus’ forces (in

collaboration with Sweyn II of Denmark who had his own beef with Magnus), a
compromise was made, with Magnus agreeing to let his uncle become joint ruler of
the country. It was an uneasy co-kingship which ended when Magnus died the
following year, making Harald the one and only ruler of Norway. However, it would
be his ambitions for England that would have such massive consequences for
European history, and Harald himself.
His claim on the English throne had a complex origin. Years previously, the previous
Norse King of Denmark and England, Harthacnut (son of King Canute), had
promised Magnus his kingdoms after his death. Although it had been Edward the
Confessor, not Magnus, who’d actually taken over as King of England, Harald
believed Harthacnut’s promise still stood. That meant he – as Magnus’ successor –
should be next in line after Edward.
WHEN ASKED WHAT HE WOULD OFFER HARDRADA,
KING HAROLD ALLEGEDLY REPLIED: ‘SEVEN FEET OF
ENGLISH GROUND, AS HE IS TALLER THAN OTHER
MEN.
When Edward died in early 1066, the nobleman Harold Godwinson took the fiercely
contested crown. Encouraged by Harold’s estranged brother Tostig Godwinson,
Harald Hardrada mounted an audacious invasion of England, with thousands of
troops deployed on hundreds of Viking longships. At first, Harald and Tostig’s forces
enjoyed victories against the English earls they encountered. But this only
succeeded in rousing the righteous rage of King Harold, who until then had been
more concerned about the imminent invasion of the other major claimant to the
throne: William, Duke of Normandy.
Harold rallied his forces and charged up the country to take the Norse invaders by
surprise in a decisive confrontation that would be remembered as the Battle of
Stamford Bridge. It’s said that, just before fighting commenced, a conciliatory King
Harold offered Tostig his earldom back to lay down his arms. But, when asked what
he would offer Hardrada, King Harold allegedly replied: ‘Seven feet of English
ground, as he is taller than other men.’

READ MORE ABOUT: BRITISH HISTORY

How 1066 changed English forever
by Sky HISTORY
The battle was a catastrophe for the Vikings. Tostig was killed, as was Harald
Hardrada, who according to legend fought with the fury of a berserker. The surviving
Norsemen were allowed safe passage home, on far fewer longships than had arrived
on England’s shores. Harald’s defeat heralded the end of an era in world history –
never again would the Vikings be a threat to British shores. Even more importantly,
Harald’s invasion indirectly helped William the Conqueror. If King Harold’s forces
hadn’t been so fatigued by the desperate dash northwards and the battle against the
Vikings, they may well have been able to defeat William at the Battle of Hastings
weeks later. This is why Harald Hardrada deserves to be remembered as more than
just a formidable warlord and the last great Viking. His failed designs on England
may well have altered the course of our history, and the history of Europe.