Harold Godwinson

Harold Godwinson was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. He ruled in the year 1066, a time of sudden change and conflict. Harold came from a powerful family and became king after the death of King Edward, who was known as Edward the Confessor. His reign was brief, but it shaped the later history of England because it led to the Norman Conquest, which brought new rulers from Normandy, a region across the English Channel.

Harold was the son of Godwin, an important noble who served earlier English kings. A noble was a person with high rank who held land and had duties such as giving soldiers to the king. Harold gained experience as a leader by serving as an earl, a title for a high-ranking official who governed large areas. Because of this, he became well known to many local leaders and warriors in England.

When King Edward died in January 1066, Harold was chosen as king by the English council, called the witan. The witan was a group of nobles and church leaders who advised the king and made decisions when a new ruler was needed. Harold’s claim to the throne was accepted by many in England, but not by everyone outside the kingdom. Two other rulers also claimed the English crown. One was William, the Duke of Normandy, who said that Edward had promised him the throne. The other was Harald Hardrada, a king from Norway.

Harold first faced an invasion from the north. Harald Hardrada, joined by Harold’s own brother Tostig, attacked England with a large force. Harold quickly marched his army north and defeated them at the Battle of Stamford Bridge. A battle is a fight between large organized groups of soldiers. This victory showed Harold’s skill in moving his troops and responding to danger.

Soon after this battle, William of Normandy landed with his army on the southern coast of England. Harold marched south to meet him. The two armies fought at the Battle of Hastings in October 1066. The Norman army used cavalry, which were soldiers on horses, and archers, who used bows and arrows. These tactics were different from the English shield wall, a line of soldiers holding shields close together. Harold was killed during the battle, and William became the new king of England.

Harold Godwinson’s death marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule. The Normans brought new forms of building, language, and government. Harold’s life helps students understand how leadership, conflict, and succession shaped early English history. His story also shows how one year, 1066, became a turning point for the whole kingdom.