Harold II: 1066-1066 AD | History of the monarchs of Britain

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Harold II: 1066-1066

Harold succeeded his father Godwin as Earl of Wessex in 1053AD, making him the most powerful noble in England. He earned a reputation as a military leader during a series of campaigns against the Welsh king Gruffydd ap Llywelyn.

Following King Edward's death in 1066AD, Harold was crowned king of England. The Saxons held that Edward had promised the throne to Harold on his death bed, whilst the Normans held that the throne had long been promised to William. Neither case is clear, and in fact the power to name his successor was not within the king's remit, since monarchs were appointed by the Witan - a council of English nobles. When the Witan was convened immediately following Edward's death, they chose to confirm Harold as king.

William responded quickly, constructing an invasion fleet of some 700 ships. Harold mustered an army, and camped on the English shores awaiting the Norman invasion. However, the Normans never came, held back by unfavourable weather. By the 8th September, Harold's provisions were running out, and his men were desperate to return to their homes in time for the harvest. The army was disbanded, and Harold returned to London.

Meanwhile, Harald Hardrada of Norway was pursuing his own claim to the English throne. He had landed at the mouth of the Tyne with a sizeable invasion force. They marched through Yorkshire, defeating two English earls in battle, before being met by Harold's forces on the 25th September. Harold had reassembled his troops and led them in a gruelling four-day forced march from London. Caught by surprise, the Norse army was routed at the Battle of Stamford Bridge.

William had not given up on his invasion, and on the 28th September, the Norman fleet finally landed in England. Harold was forced to lead his weary army in a second forced march, and fortified a position at Senlac Hill. On the 14th October, the two armies met at the Battle of Hastings. Following nine hours of gruelling combat, Harold's forces were close to victory when their leader was slain (according to tradition) by an arrow to the eye.