The date: 1066 AD  
The place: Fulford, York, Northern England
A few days before the English King Harold reached the north to win the battle of Stamford Bridge in September 1066, the invading Vikings defeated an English army at Fulford, near York. Historians have emphasized that the losses sustained by King Harold’s army in defeating Harald Hardrada of Norway at Stamford Bridge must have weakened the force with which he had to oppose William of Normandy at Hastings shortly afterwards. This, and the exhausting marches of the King’s armies between London and York, contributed to William’s victory. The battlefield of Fulford has remained shrouded in mystery. What really happened there 1000 years ago.

Oxford Instruments Industrial Analysis was invited to go on site with and X-MET5000, and examine some of the many thousands of swords, axes, shields and other samples collected from the ancient battle field to assist in source locating them and to help identify the age, compound and material of the metal weapons and materials found. This work has proved helpful in solving the riddles of a thousand year old mystery and providing a valuable insight into one of the most important battles of all time, that changed the face of european history forever.

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Published Date: 18 January 2010