The Battle of Fulford took place near York, England, where Norwegian King Harald Hardrada confronted the English earls Edwin of Mercia and Morcar of Northumbria. Seeking to assert his claim to the English crown, Hardrada had launched an invasion supported by Tostig Godwinson, formerly an earl of Northumbria and brother to Harold Godwinson, the king of England. The conflict arose in the context of the struggle for control of the English throne amid the political upheaval following the death of King Edward the Confessor earlier that year.

Hardrada's forces, well-trained in Viking combat techniques, engaged the earls' troops, who were less cohesive due to their recent assembly. The battle unfolded on marshy terrain that favored Hardrada's forces, allowing them to utilize their superior tactics and experience effectively. As the day progressed, the Norwegian warriors gained the upper hand, leading to a significant defeat for Morcar and Edwin's forces. This battle demonstrated the effectiveness of Viking warfare, with the rapid and fierce assault overwhelming the less effective formations of the English defenders.

Following the defeat at Fulford, the English earls faced considerable pressure, leading to a swift reorganization of local defenses in York. The aftermath prompted subsequent military maneuvers, culminating in the pivotal Battle of Stamford Bridge, where the English army sought to reclaim lost honor and counter Hardrada's ambitions. Fulford became a crucial precursor to these events, symbolizing a transformative moment in English history as power shifted amidst claims of the crown.