Harold Hardrada

Hardrada had inherited land from king canute who had once been a King of England. Hardrada said that this meant he had a right to be the King of England as well. He was supported by Tostig, Harold of Wessex's brother. Hardrada was very powerful as he was already the King of Norway.

Harold believed that an agreement made between the previous kings of England and Denmark gave him the rightful claim.He relied on his Viking reputation of being fierce. He was a tremendous warrior, and had travelled across and beyond Europe. Harold Hardrada was a true Viking, and wanted to take England by force. Earl Tostig offered to help Harold Hardrada. Tostig was Harold Godwinson's brother. He had been banished from England in disgrace.

Hardrada and Tostig joined together to plan their invasion. They probably knew that Duke William was also planning to invade. They thought if King Harold was distracted by Duke William's invasion in the south, it would be easy to invade the north.

Kings Alfred The Great, King of Wessex athelstan King of the English Athelred II The Unready, King of the English canute King of England eadred King of the English eadwig King of the English Edgar I, King of the English Edmund I, King of the English Edmund II Ironside, King of the English Edward The Martyr, King of the English King Arthur King Edward the Confessor King Harold of Wessex King William I King William Rufus King Henry I King Stephen King Henry II King Richard I King John King Henry III King Edward I King Edward II King Edward III

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