Harold Godwinson

This book examines and unravels the varied strands of sometimes flimsy evidence about Harold Godwinson's life, death, family, mythologies, and legacy. Born into a powerful Anglo-Danish family in about 1022, Harold's father Godwin Wulfnothson became the premier earl of England. His mother was closely related to the Danish Royal family. He became Earl of East Anglia at an early age and supported his father during his rebellion in 1051 against King Edward the Confessor, when the Godwins were exiled. After their reinstatement in 1052 the Godwins became even more powerful.

When his father died Edward made Harold Earl of Wessex and 'Dux Anglorum', his right-hand man. Harold sailed against potential Danish invaders, led sea and land forces against the Welsh and undertook diplomatic missions to Flanders and beyond on behalf of Edward.

His trip to Normandy via Ponthieu in 1064/5 remains incompletely understood, but it led to a fateful oath to Duke William of Normandy. In late 1065 there was a revolt in Northumbria which led to his brother Tostig's fall, then in January 1066 King Edward died and Harold became King of England. Later that year, an unexpected Viking invasion led to the Battles of Fulford Gate and Stamford Bridge in Yorkshire (with the death of Tostig), just before Duke William of Normandy invaded Sussex.

Harold and his brothers Gyrth and Leofwine fell at the Battle of Hastings and a mythology was created. His remaining wives, children and wider family then experienced very varying fortunes and adventures at home and abroad.

England inevitably changed under the Norman yoke after Harold's defeat and the subsequent Norman Conquest. The way in which the change was perceived varied considerably during the following millennium and this is also explored, with many ideas for further reading.