Viking and Saxon

[Scarramouch]

Why did some of the vikings that were beaten at Stamford Bridge choose to march south with their Saxon enemy to engage the Normans rather than retreat with the rest of their countrymen to Norway?

[Lil O'lady]

I expect because their leader Harald Hardrada had ordered his fleet to be destroyed after landing in England, as he believed he wouldn't be needing it again. In this of course he was correct as he got killed, but the poor sowansos not killed could choose to join the winning side or else.

[Scarramouch]

sorry lil but that is incorrect. It was duke william who ordered the burning of the norman fleet in Sussex. Of the 300 viking boats that made land 24 sailed back to norway. And only that number because of the lack of surviving men. Their fleet wasn't burnt. The vikings didnt come to stay like the normans on this occasion. Just to demand tribute (pillage),

[Rollo]

They did it for money, becoming merceneries.

[Scarramouch]

thanks rollo. I kinda suspected that. Soldiers were more fickle back then when it came to booty. Especially the vikings lol

[Scarramouch]

thanks zac. But that didnt answer my question.

[rockingian]

they were told they would get double social security money a house. a horse and cart, free medical care ,family allowence,clothing,it never changed did it its still the same today.