Stamford Bridge  



At a crossing point on the River Derwent, Stamford Bridge is best known for the battle on the 25th September 1066 between King Harold and his brother, Tostig, Earl of Northumbria. Tostig asked for and received assistance from the Norwegian king Hardrada and his Viking army. 

After winning the battle, Harold marched his army to Hastings where he tried to fight off the invasion of William of Normandy also known as "the Conqueror." Harold lost both the battle and his life thus allowing William to be crowned King of England. Had the results of these battles been other than what they were, the history of England might well have been very different. Had Hardrada won the battle of Stamford Bridge he certainly would have dominated the north. William of Normandy would have landed unopposed at Hastings and would have controlled the south. The north of England could have become part of a Norwegian empire and the south could have become a province of France and the country of England might never have been. Yet the battle of Hastings, which the people of England lost, is remembered far more than the battle of Stamford Bridge which they won. Thus is the way of things!   

Although there have been many attempts to find exactly where the battle of Stamford Bridge took place there has never been any trace of it found. This is thought to be due to the acidic soil which has done its toll in destroying all traces. 


Additional Information 

As well as St John’s, in Stamford Bridge there is a Methodist Chapel in the village.  There are over 40 voluntary groups and recreational clubs within the village, ranging from Womens’ Institute; Probus; Yorkshire Countrywomen; WRVS; the Royal British Legion; Scouts and Guides to the Archaeology Club; Flower Club; Choir; Drama Group and several clubs for the elderly.  There are good sports facilities maintained by local groups – a cricket field, two football pitches, a hockey pitch, two tennis courts, a netball court, a bowling green, an indoor sports hall, and the school swimming pool run by the PTA.  Together with the churches and the school, these local groups help to generate a sense of belonging within the local community.  

There is a good selection of shops and services in the village, including a small supermarket; three pubs,a; number of restaurants and takeaways; library; chemist; hair & beauty salons; doctors’ surgery; vet and dentist.  Much new housing development has taken place over the last 40 years.  

Local Education   

There is a Primary School at Stamford Bridge.  Although not a Church of England school, it has maintained strong links with the Church through the goodwill of the Head teacher.  The Priest in Charge has always been welcome, encouraged to lead assemblies and hold confirmation classes at convenient times during the school day.  

The school takes 356 children, with the infant and junior sections split between two sites within a short walk of each other.  The school, which takes children from Stamford Bridge and Catton, is community based, representing all backgrounds and abilities and takes pride in seeking to meet the diverse needs of each child.  It has a rich history of music and sport and takes every opportunity to forge links with the wider community.

Local Secondary Schools are Woldgate College in Pocklington or Archbishop Holgate’s Church of England School in York.  There are also several Independent Schools in the area, including Pocklington, St Peter’s, Bootham and The Mount.  There are two pre-school playgroups in Stamford Bridge.   

The local primary school for Scrayingham and Leppington children is at Leavening and their secondary school is Norton College.