Eystein Orre

Eystein Orre (Old Norse: Eysteinn Orri; died 25 September 1066) was a Norwegian noble who was killed at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066.Eystein was betrothed to King Harald's daughter by Elisiv of Kiev, Maria and according to Heimskringla was "best beloved by the king of all the lendermen".

Harald and his army first encountered resistance at Scarborough, where the townsfolk refused to surrender.

The battle was a decisive victory for the invaders, and led York to surrender to their forces on 24 September.

[1] Early on 25 September, King Harald and Tostig left for York again, leaving a third of their forces behind.

Eystein, along with Prince Olaf were among those left behind at Riccall to protect the ships, however a messenger came back calling for reinforcements as the English had intercepted the Norwegians at Stamford Bridge.

The Battle of Stamford Bridge as depicted by Matthew Paris .