Top 10 facts about King Harold II

HAROLD Godwinson was crowned King of England 950 years ago on the 6th of January.

 

We know Harold Godwinson as the man who lost the Battle of Hastings

 

Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England 950 years ago today. We know him as the man who lost the Battle of Hastings. Let’s see what else we can find out.

1. Harold was born around 1020, the son of Godwin, Earl of Wessex.

2. His mother, Gytha Thorkelsdóttir, was sister-in-law of Cnut, King of Denmark and England.

3. Two of Harold’s six brothers, Gyrth and Leofwine, also died at the Battle of Hastings.

 

Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England 950 years ago today

4. His sister, Edith of Wessex, married English king Edward the Confessor. 

5. Harold’s marriage to Edith the Fair was not recognised or blessed by the church. 

6. Harold’s dispute with William the Conqueror stemmed from his shipwreck off the coast of Normandy in 1064, when he is said to have pledged support for William’s claim to England’s throne. 

7. Another claimant was Harald Hardrada of Norway, whose invasion force was beaten by Harold at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. 

 

Two of Harold’s six brothers, Gyrth and Leofwine, also died at the Battle of Hastings

 

8. The earliest account of the Battle of Hastings said that Harold had been killed and dismembered by four knights.

9. The first report of Harold being shot in the eye with an arrow did not appear until 30 years later. 

10. The Bayeux Tapestry illustrating the events at Hastings is not a tapestry but an embroidery.

 

Harold’s dispute with William the Conqueror stemmed from his shipwreck off the coast of Normandy