LOCAL author and historian Keith Mulhearn dressed as the Viking King Harald Hardrada to launch his new book on York's bloody past.

Keith has penned Fulford; The First Battle Of 1066, which reveals some of the city's forgotten and brutal history.

The Battle of Fulford took place five days before the more famous battle of Stamford Bridge, which, of course, preceded the Battle of Hastings.

The Fulford clash ended in victory for the forces of the Norwegian Hardrada, one of the most feared warriors of his day, and Tostig, half-brother of the English King, Harold Godwinson.

But the main English army caught up with the invaders at Stamford Bridge and defeated them, with Hardrada and Tostig both dying on the battlefield, before Harold suffered a similar fate at Hastings, and William of Normandy seized the English throne.

It is the third book written by Keith, also runs his own tour company "Roamin' Tours of York".

Updated: 11:43 Tuesday, September 24, 2002