I actually went to stamford bridge about 10 yrs ago out of curiousity about this. Do you know if the battlefield site is actually known? I saw no historical references there at all IIRC.
The battlefield site... yeah... it’s known... can’t remember... There’s a cool anecdote (actually a couple of them)... during the parley (Earl Tostig and King Harald were both surprised that King Harold had mustered an army and made it all the way to their landing site so quickly; the spot was chose because the local population had a significant degree of Viking ancestry) what treaty terms were offered. Tostig was offered his lands, and some extra stuff, and a little cash, and all he had to do was renounce all claims to the throne and swear fealty.
When asked what was offered Hardraada, the apparent herald said, “six feet of English Earth, or however much more his height exceeds that of other men.” That offer wasn’t acceptable, and the English parley rode back to their lines. Hardraada asked who the herald was. “King Harold” was Tostig’s reply (IOW, King Harold had ridden up with a handful to do the parley in person). Hardraada was impressed, and said so, I think complimenting his dash, elan, and talent with horses. Anyway, Hardraada’s ability to innovate and counterpunch ran out that day.