The Other Battle of 1066

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The Other Battle of 1066
                               by Bob Moore © 2019

In 1066 Harald Hardrada, wanted the English throne
he sailed to York with many ships, to make this land his own
Harold Godwinson was King, with his army far away
waiting for the Frenchmen, who were expected any day

William the Bastard, also wanted the English Throne
and would soon sail from Normandy, to call this land his home
Harold marched his army north, to meet the Viking foe
and at a place called Stamford Bridge, the armies stood, toe to toe

Harold’s brother Tostig, had been banished from this land
and with a thousand Scotsmen, vowed he would make his stand
against his own blood, Harold, and with the Vikings side
to redeem his honour, and restore, once more, his pride

at Stamford Bridge the battle joined, when six thousand of the foe
were surprised by Harold and his men, and there dealt a deadly blow
the English charged the Shield Wall, and then they charged again
the clash of steel the battle cries, the screams of dying men

Tostig, and King Hardrada, died on the field that day
and when the battle sound had cleared, Harold’s army marched away
now William Duke of Normandy, with at least ten thousand men
was heading for the southern coast, Harold must fight again.

And so they marched, by day and night, the enemy to meet
To fight another battle, and another army beat
believing they can win again, and for the sake England will
as they marched to meet there destiny, at a place called Hastings Hill

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