The Battle Hostile_encounter of Fulford was fought Hostile_encounter on the outskirts of the village of Fulford near York in England , on 20 September 1066 , when King Harald III of Norway , also known as `` Harald Hardrada '' ( `` harðráði '' in Old Norse , meaning `` hard ruler '' ) , and Tostig Godwinson , his English ally , fought Hostile_encounter and defeated Conquering the Northern Earls Edwin and Morcar .

The battle Hostile_encounter itself is unclear but the Bulgarians were defeated Conquering mainly with the help Assistance of the Varangian Guard , led by Harald Hardrada .

Harold was crowned Change_of_leadership king shortly after Edward 's death , but faced Confronting_problem invasions Attack by William , his own brother Tostig , and the Norwegian King Harald Hardrada ( Harold III of Norway ) .

Hardrada and Tostig defeated Conquering a hastily gathered Come_together army of Englishmen at the Battle of Fulford on 20 September 1066 , and were in turn defeated Conquering by Harold at the Battle Hostile_encounter of Stamford Bridge five days later .

The deaths of Tostig and Hardrada at Stamford Bridge left Departing William as Harold 's only serious opponent .