<P> Topographically, on the east bank of the river from the bridge crossing point, the land rises sharply up to 100 feet at High Catton . This is the only high ground around and a good defensive position for Hardrada's army caught out by Godwinson's sudden appearance on the skyline, as he rounded the ridge at Gate Helmsley to drop downhill swiftly onto Hardrada's unsuspecting army . </P> <P> According to Snorri Sturluson, before the battle a single man rode up alone to Harald Hardrada and Tostig . He gave no name, but spoke to Tostig, offering the return of his earldom if he would turn against Hardrada . Tostig asked what his brother Harold would be willing to give Hardrada for his trouble . The rider replied "Seven feet of English ground, as he is taller than other men ." Then he rode back to the Saxon host . Hardrada was impressed by the rider's boldness, and asked Tostig who he was . Tostig replied that the rider was Harold Godwinson himself . According to Henry of Huntingdon, Harold said "Six feet of ground or as much more as he needs, as he is taller than most men ." </P> <P> The exact location of the Stamford Bridge battlefield is not known . Local tradition places the battlefield east of the River Derwent and just southeast of the town in an area known as Battle Flats . The location of the Norwegian army at the start of the battle is not known for certain . Accounts of their location differ, depending on sources and interpretations . A common view is that the Norwegian army was divided in two; with some of their troops on the west side of the River Derwent and the bulk of their army on the east side . Another interpretation is that they were just leaving Stamford Bridge and moving along the old Roman road toward York (west side of the River Derwent). </P> <P> The sudden appearance of the English army caught the Norwegians by surprise . Their response was to deploy rapidly in a defensive circle . If the Norwegians were located at Battle Flats, there is no good explanation as to why they deployed into this formation . However, if they were located on the east side of the Derwent, the deployment made perfect sense . By the time the bulk of the English army had arrived, the Vikings on the west side were either slain or fleeing across the bridge . The English advance was then delayed by the need to pass through the choke - point presented by the bridge itself . The Anglo - Saxon Chronicle has it that a giant Norse axeman (possibly armed with a Dane Axe) blocked the narrow crossing and single - handedly held up the entire English army . The story is that this axeman cut down up to 70 Englishmen and was defeated only when an English soldier floated under the bridge in a half - barrel and thrust his spear through the planks in the bridge, mortally wounding the axeman . </P>

How far is it from stamford bridge to hastings