Harold’s army having made preparation for the journey, departed in great haste to battle against the Viking invaders. Harold left London around 16th September 1066, arriving at Tadcaster in the evening of 24th September, covering around 20 to 25 miles a day. A number of river crossings would have to be made along the journey. The rivers to be crossed before arriving at Lincoln were the river Lea, Rib, Cam, Ouse, Nene, Welland, Gwash, Witham and Slea. A wooden bridge built by Edward the Elder in the 10th Century existed over the Ouse at this time. A Saxon bridge over the River Welland at Stamford is also known to have existed at this time.