Harold Godwinson: The Last Crowned Anglo-Saxon King of England
Please note: AI-generated audio has been added for accessibilityHarold Godwinson (c. 1022 – 14 October 1066), often known as Harold II, was England's last crowned Anglo-Saxon king. His reign, though short-lived, marked a pivotal moment in English history, culminating in the Battle of Hastings in 1066, which saw the end of Anglo-Saxon rule and the beginning of Norman dominance. Both political intrigue and military ambition shaped Harold’s life and reign, and his death on the battlefield left a lasting legacy that continues to influence British history.Harold Godwinson was born around 1022, the son of Godwin, the Earl of Wessex, and Gytha, the daughter of a powerful Danish noble. His family was of high Anglo-Saxon and Viking descent and wielded significant influence in England, particularly in the kingdom of Wessex. The Godwin family played a crucial role in the politics of the time, and Harold’s rise to power was inextricably linked to the successes of his father, Godwin, one of the most powerful earls in England during the reign of King Edward the Confessor.Harold’s early career was marked by his military prowess and diplomatic skill. He became Earl of Wessex following his father's exile. Harold was a key figure in defending England against external threats, including Viking raids, and he gained a reputation as a skilled military leader.In 1064, Harold was reportedly shipwrecked at Ponthieu. The reasons for his voyage have always been unclear. Later Norman chroniclers, possibly seeking to place William firmly in the right, suggest Harold was seeking the release of family members who had been held hostage since Godwin’s exile in 1051. Yet another theory posits that Harold was travelling along the English coast on a hunting and fishing trip and was unexpectedly blown across the English Channel by a storm. It is generally agreed that he set off from Bosham, was blown off course and was captured by Count Guy I of Ponthieu and taken as a hostage to the count's castle at Beaurain. William arrived soon after and, as his overlord, ordered Guy to hand Harold over to him.Harold was treated with great honour and said to have accompanied William to fight against his rival, Conan II, Duke of Brittany. While crossing into Brittany near the fortified abbey of Mont Saint-Michel, Harold is recorded as rescuing two of William’s soldiers from quicksand. They pursued Conan from Dol-de-Bretagne to Rennes, and finally to Dinan, where Conan surrendered the fortress's keys under threat of a lance. William then presented Harold with weapons and arms, knighting him.It was during his time in Normandy that Harold Godwinson allegedly took a solemn oath to William, upholding William’s claim to the throne of England. The oath was sworn over holy relics. However, after the ceremony it was revealed that the bones were those of a saint which was a far more serious affair and begs an interesting question – was William guilty of deliberately misleading Harold? Or was Harold guilty of blasphemy in that he had sworn the oath only to obtain his freedom and never had any intention of keeping his word.This lack of clarity as to whom, exactly, Edward the Confessor had promised the crown led to confusion and conflict. The Normans firmly believed Edward had promised the kingdom to William, which, given his close ties with Normandy was perfectly possible. Harold Godwinson claimed Edward had named him as his heir as he lay dying. Also in the running was the King of Normandy, Harald Hardrada.Upon Edward the Confessor’s death in January 1066, Harold’s claim was upheld by the Witan and he was swiftly crowned King of England on 6th January 1066, just a day after Edward's passing.Harold’s first challenge came from the north. Harald Hardrada, with the support of Tostig Godwinson (Harold’s estranged brother), invaded England in September 1066. The two armies met at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, where Harold Godwinson’s forces inflicted a decisive defeat on the Norwegians. Hardrada was killed in battle, and Tostig was also slain, marking a dramatic end to the Norwegian threat. However, this victory left Harold’s army exhausted and depleted.Just days after the victory at Stamford Bridge, Harold faced a new and more formidable threat: William of Normandy, who landed on England's south coast at Pevensey on 28th September 1066. William’s claim to the throne was backed by a papal banner, giving him significant religious legitimacy and support. The two armies met at the Battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066, a day that would change the course of English history.The Battle of Hastings was fiercely contested, but William’s better-equipped and more disciplined army ultimately overwhelmed Harold's forces. Harold is famously said to have died during the battle, struck in the eye by an arrow, though the exact circumstances of his death remain a subject of historical debate. Some accounts suggest that he was killed in hand-to-hand combat, while others believe that he was struck down while defending his troops.The death of Harold Godwinson at Hastings marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England. William the Conqueror was crowned King of England on 25th December 1066, beginning a new era of Norman rule that would fundamentally alter the social, political, and cultural landscape of the country. The Norman Conquest led to widespread land redistribution, with the Anglo-Saxon nobility displaced and replaced by Norman lords. The English language and legal system also underwent significant changes as Norman French became the language of the court and administration.Despite his defeat, Harold Godwinson is remembered as a symbol of Anglo-Saxon resistance and nationalism. There is considerable speculation regarding his burial site, but a strong connection to Bosham, his birthplace, and the discovery of an Anglo-Saxon coffin in the church there in 1954 have led some to propose it as the location of King Harold's final resting place. It is also consistent with William of Poitiers' description that he was buried by the sea as it is only a small distance from Chichester Harbour and in sight of the English Channel.Discover how Max and the team fared when they jump back to Beaurain Castle, in Normandy in 1064 to record the meeting between Harold Godwinsson and William of Normandy. We hope you have enjoyed this History Briefing - please CLICK HERE to read more background history from The Chronicles of St Mary’s series by Jodi Taylor.Jodi Taylor Books is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Jodi Taylor Books at www.joditaylorbooks.com/subscribe
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