Harold II
Harold II, also known as Harold Godwinson, was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king of England. His reign was brief, lasting from January 5, 1066, until his death at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066.
Early Life and Rise to Power
- Harold was born around 1022, the son of Earl Godwin of Wessex, one of the most powerful nobles in England at the time.
- He became Earl of East Anglia in 1045 and later Earl of Wessex after his father's death in 1053, making him the most powerful nobleman in England.
- Harold's rise to prominence was marked by his military victories, including his campaign against the Welsh in 1063.
Claim to the Throne
Reign and Conflicts
- Harold's reign was immediately challenged by the invasion of Harald Hardrada, supported by Harold's own brother Tostig Godwinson, at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in September 1066. Harold defeated the Norwegians, but this victory came at a high cost to his forces.
- Following this, William of Normandy launched his invasion from France, leading to the Norman Conquest.
Battle of Hastings
- The decisive engagement took place at Hastings, where Harold's forces met William's. Despite a strong defense, Harold was killed, traditionally thought to have been shot in the eye with an arrow, although historical accounts vary.
- His death marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England, leading to the establishment of the Norman dynasty under William the Conqueror.
Legacy
- Harold II's death is famously depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry, which provides a detailed visual account of the events leading up to and including the Battle of Hastings.
- His reign, though short, symbolizes the end of the Anglo-Saxon era in English history, transitioning into the Norman period.
Sources
See Also