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I think we should have a discussion thread for 1066, that pivotal year in English history.
Let's say Harald wins at Stamford Bridge, surprising Harold instead of the other way around. What happens next? I can think of a few different possibilities, but I'm not sure which is more likely:
Harald wins Stamford Bridge. He stays in York, hoping William attacks him so he can take the advantageous defensive position. In the meantime he recruits native Saxons, wintering in Yorkshire. William takes London in the interim. This leads to a small-scale raiding between Harald's northern England and William's southern England, until William marches north to York.
Harald wins Stamford Bridge. He marches immediately to London to capture and garrison the city. William's troops do not have to fight the Battle of Hastings, but instead, they have to siege London. (More casualties for William?)
Harald wins Stamford Bridge. He marches to London to place a small garrison (which maybe rebels against him while he's gone). Harald then takes the bulk of his army and marches south to attack William's castle at Hastings. William wins even more effectively than OTL, due to Harald's smaller force.
Harald wins Stamford Bridge. He immediately sails to Hastings, surprising William from the sea, crushing him.