Who was King Harold Godwinson?
Harold Godwinson (Harold II)
6 January 1066 – 14 October 1066 (9 months)
Battle of Hastings, 14 October 1066 (aged ~43)
Last crowned Anglo-Saxon king; defeat led to Norman Conquest
Key insights about Harold Godwinson
- Harold Godwinson was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king of England.
- His reign was one of the shortest in English history, lasting only 9 months.
- His death at the Battle of Hastings marked the beginning of Norman rule.
- Despite his brief reign, Harold is often debated as a capable leader who faced overwhelming odds.
- He is known in popular culture as a figure referenced in the Shrek franchise, though with no historical basis.
- Harold was the son of Godwin, Earl of Wessex, one of the most powerful nobles in England.
- He successfully defeated a Norwegian invasion at Stamford Bridge just weeks before facing William.
Snapshot facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1022/23, likely in Wessex |
| Crowned | 6 January 1066 at Westminster Abbey |
| Predecessor | Edward the Confessor |
| Successor | Edgar the Aetheling (uncrowned) / William the Conqueror |
| Spouse | Edith Swannesha (handfast) and Ealdgyth (formal marriage) |
| Children | At least 6, including Godwin, Edmund, Magnus, and others |
| Major battle | Battle of Hastings (14 October 1066) |
| Cause of death | Killed in battle (uncertain: arrow to eye or cut down) |
How did King Harold die?
Harold died at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066. The armies clashed on Senlac Hill near present-day Battle, Sussex, in a battle that lasted about nine hours. By the end of the day, Harold’s forces were defeated and he lay dead on the field.
The manner of his death
The most famous account of Harold’s death comes from the Bayeux Tapestry, which appears to show a figure struck by an arrow in the eye. However, historians note that the tapestry does not definitively label that figure as Harold. Some contemporary accounts suggest he was cut down by Norman knights. The arrow story became popular in later chronicles but remains uncertain. Detailed analysis of the battle by English Heritage provides further context on the day’s events.
The Bayeux Tapestry depicts the death of Harold, but the exact manner remains a topic of debate. Some historians argue the figure with the arrow is not Harold, and that he may have been killed in close combat. The ambiguity has fueled discussion for centuries.
What happened to Harold’s body?
After the battle, William the Conqueror ordered Harold’s body to be buried. According to some accounts, his body was identified by his mistress, Edith Swannesha, due to certain marks only she would recognize. Harold was reportedly buried at Waltham Abbey in Essex, which he had helped to refound. The exact location of his grave, however, remains uncertain.
Family losses at Hastings
Harold’s brothers Gyrth and Leofwine also died fighting alongside him at the Battle of Hastings. Harold and Richard III are the only English monarchs confirmed to have died in battle.
What was the relationship between King Harold and William the Conqueror?
Harold and William of Normandy had a complex relationship that is central to the story of 1066. According to Norman sources, Harold was shipwrecked in Normandy around 1064 and swore an oath to support William’s claim to the English throne. English sources omit or downplay this event, and it is not independently corroborated.
When Edward the Confessor died in January 1066, Harold claimed that Edward had promised him the throne on his deathbed. William viewed this as a betrayal and prepared for invasion. The rivalry between the two men culminated in the Battle of Hastings.
Why did William invade England?
William claimed that Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne and that Harold had sworn to uphold that claim. When Harold was crowned instead, William assembled a fleet and army to press his claim by force. He landed in England in late September 1066, just after Harold had defeated Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge.
Why did Harold lose the Battle of Hastings?
Harold’s army was exhausted after marching south from Stamford Bridge, where they had just won a major battle. His forces were also likely outnumbered and lacked the cavalry and archers that William brought. The death of Harold and his brothers in the thick of the fighting broke the Anglo-Saxon resistance.
The oath Harold supposedly swore to William is a disputed event. Norman sources use it to justify William’s invasion, while English sources are largely silent. Without independent evidence, historians cannot confirm the event occurred as described.
Who were King Harold’s wife and children?
Harold had a complex family life. He was handfasted (a form of marriage) to Edith Swannesha, with whom he had several children. Later, he entered a formal marriage with Ealdgyth, the widow of the Welsh prince Gruffydd ap Llywelyn. Ealdgyth was the daughter of a Mercian earl, and the marriage helped to secure political alliances.
Harold fathered at least six children. Among them were Godwin, Edmund, and Magnus. After Harold’s death, some of his children went into exile and continued to be a source of resistance against Norman rule. The details of their lives, however, are often unclear.
Handfasting was a recognized form of union in Anglo-Saxon England. Edith Swannesha is described as Harold’s handfasted wife, meaning their relationship was considered a legal marriage by contemporary standards. This explains why she is often referred to as his wife despite his later formal marriage to Ealdgyth.
Was King Harold a good king?
Historical assessments of Harold’s reign vary. He was a capable military commander and administrator who had effectively governed England for years before becoming king. His swift response to the Norwegian invasion at Stamford Bridge demonstrated strategic skill. However, his reign was far too short to make a definitive judgment.
Some historians argue that Harold’s decision to claim the throne was a political misstep that invited invasion. Others point out that he was the most powerful noble in England and the logical successor. The Norman sources, which are the most detailed, are also biased against him. What is clear is that Harold faced overwhelming odds and fought bravely to defend his crown. The BBC’s historic profile offers additional perspective on his leadership.
Why is King Harold associated with Shrek?
There is no historical or biographical link between King Harold Godwinson and the character Shrek from the animated film franchise. Shrek is a fictional ogre created by author William Steig and popularized by the 2001 DreamWorks animated film. The character is completely unrelated to 11th-century English history.
If you encountered a reference linking them, it was likely a modern internet meme, a parody, or a confusion with a different name. For example, the Norwegian king Harald Hardrada is sometimes jokingly misremembered, though still not connected to Shrek. Harold Godwinson was a human warrior and king, not a mythical creature. Any association between them is a misunderstanding.
Timeline of key events in Harold’s life
- c. 1022/23: Harold Godwinson born to Godwin, Earl of Wessex.
- 1045: Harold becomes Earl of East Anglia.
- 1053: Becomes Earl of Wessex after his father’s death.
- 1064: Possible shipwreck and oath to William of Normandy (disputed).
- 5 January 1066: Edward the Confessor dies; Harold claims the throne.
- 6 January 1066: Harold crowned as Harold II.
- September 1066: Harald Hardrada invades in the north; Harold defeats him at Stamford Bridge.
- 14 October 1066: Battle of Hastings; Harold killed; William victorious.
What is certain and what remains unclear about Harold?
| Topic | Certainty | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Death by arrow in the eye | Uncertain | The Bayeux Tapestry shows a figure with an arrow in the eye, but it is not definitively labeled as Harold. Contemporary accounts vary: some say he was cut down by Norman knights. The arrow story became popular in later chronicles. |
| Oath to William | Disputed | Norman sources claim Harold swore an oath to support William’s claim to the throne. English sources omit or downplay this. The event is not independently corroborated. |
| Was Harold a good king? | Subjective | Historical assessments vary. He was a capable military commander and administrator, but his reign was too short to judge. Some argue his usurpation of the throne was a political misstep. |
The historical context of Harold’s reign
Edward the Confessor’s death in January 1066 left a contested succession. William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada of Norway, and Edgar the Aetheling all had claims to the English throne. Harold positioned himself as the rightful heir, but his coronation immediately made him enemies on multiple fronts.
Harold’s military campaigns in 1066 are among the most remarkable in English history. He marched his army north to defeat Harald Hardrada at Stamford Bridge in September, then immediately marched south to face William. The speed and stamina of his forces amazed contemporaries, but the exhaustion of his army likely contributed to his defeat at Hastings.
The long-term impact of the Norman Conquest on England was profound. It reshaped the language, culture, and governance of the country. The end of Anglo-Saxon rule marked the beginning of a new era that would influence English history for centuries.
“Harold II was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, reigning for nine months in 1066.”
“Harold, Earl of Wessex, as King. Harold had himself crowned in Westminster Abbey on 6 January 1066.”
— Royal.uk
What is Harold’s lasting legacy?
Harold Godwinson is remembered as the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, a figure who stood at the crossroads of history. His defeat at Hastings ended Anglo-Saxon rule and began the Norman Conquest. His story continues to be studied as an example of leadership, ambition, and the swift reversals of fortune in medieval power struggles. For readers interested in the broader context of this period, exploring the story of William the Conqueror provides essential insight into the events that followed Harold’s death.
Frequently asked questions about King Harold
What is King Harold’s full name?
His full name is Harold Godwinson, also known as Harold II after his coronation.
When was King Harold born?
He was born around 1022 or 1023, likely in Wessex, England.
Where is King Harold buried?
Harold was reportedly buried at Waltham Abbey in Essex. The exact location of his grave, however, remains uncertain.
How many children did Harold Godwinson have?
Harold had at least six children, including Godwin, Edmund, Magnus, and others, from his handfasted wife Edith Swannesha.
What was the Bayeux Tapestry?
The Bayeux Tapestry is an embroidered cloth that depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest of England, including the Battle of Hastings and the death of Harold.
Did King Harold have any siblings?
Yes, Harold had several brothers, including Tostig, Swegen, and Gyrth. His sister Edith was married to King Edward the Confessor.
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Henry Morgan is Senior Reporter at BritainNow.uk, covering breaking UK news and political stories across the country.