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To: allmendream
It was the Varangian Guard.

Harald Hardrada invaded England in 1066 and was killed at the battle of Stamford Bridge near York on Sept. 25, 1066. He was supported by Earl Tostig, the brother of King Harold II of England.

56 posted on 03/28/2008 1:59:28 PM PDT by Verginius Rufus
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To: Verginius Rufus
Yep! Sorry about the sp Vangarian -vs- Varangian, it is all Greek to me! ;)

When the three lords met before the battle King Harold II of England promised to give northumbria to Earl Tostig if he would recognize Harold as King of all England.

Earl Tostig asked “And what of my cousin King Harald Hardrade of Norway, who has fought so hard on my behalf?”

“Of him the King Harold II has said, he shall gain of England SIX FEET OF EARTH; or that much more that he is taller than other men.”

As you mentioned King Harald Hardrade died in the battle (arrow in the throat); and he got his six feet (or more) of English soil; but only for awhile before they exhumed his body and buried it again in Norway.

57 posted on 03/28/2008 2:04:19 PM PDT by allmendream ("A Lyger is pretty much my favorite animal."NapoleonD)
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