For many centuries 'the North' was a place apart, vulnerable to invasion – or support – from across the border, or the North Sea. At the end of the 9th century the Vikings arrived, taking York and then settling in the area. York grew and prospered, becoming the Viking heartland for more than 200 years. And it was from across the North Sea that the next invader would arrive, supporting the claim of Harald Hadrada to the throne of England. In September 1066 the battle of York was a Viking success, the battle of Stamford Bridge a pyrrhic victory for Harold Godwinson's Saxon army. They covered the long distance to Hastings at impressive speed, only to be annihilated by another descendant of the Vikings.

For 400 years England's medieval rulers were wary of the power of the North. To keep the powerful northern nobles 'on side' was part of every prudent monarch's strategy. It didn't always work: alliances between powerful families took place over long distances and the battles of the Anglo Scottish Wars devastated huge areas. Sometimes a powerful subject needed serious force to crush their ambition - the Battle of Borough Bridge (March 1322) was one such battle, in this instance a resounding victory for the king.

The mid 15th century would suffer the disruption of the Wars of the Roses, when the Lancastrian success at Wakefield (1460) was followed by the enormous casualties of the Yorkist victory at Towton (1461).

Accompanied by historian Dr Michael Jones, we will visit the scenes of battle and consider why and how they were fought and the men who fought from kings and nobles to their retainers, local levies and soldiers of fortune. The fine Leeds Armouries and the Jorvik Viking centre will be an interesting addition to our tour.

ITINERARY
Day 1 (Friday): Meet at the Monkbar Hotel, York by 1330. The battles of Fulford and Stamford Bridge (1066). Dinner and overnight (2 nights).
Day 2: We look at the battle of the Standards (1138) and consider the long period of skirmish and battle between the English and the Scots, and how it affected the course of English history. The battle of Borough Bridge (1322), where the use of archers foreshadowed the success at Crécy some years later. An afternoon visit to the marvellous Leeds Armouries.
Day 3: The battle of Wakefield (1460), a Lancastrian victory and the Yorkist success at the battle of Towton (1461). Two battles of the Wars of the Roses, with huge casualties, in a war which would erupt periodically for nearly twenty five years. Group lunch in York, followed by a visit to the Jorvik centre and walking tour including Cliffords Tower, Micklegate and the walls.