Harold+Godwinson


 * __ ﻿ Harold Godwinson: Last Anglo-Saxon King of England. __**

**//Overview//**

Harold Godwinson's reign as King of England began and ended in 1066C.E. after succeeding King Edward (also known as [|King Edward the Confessor]). Harold died at the [|Battle of Hastings] fighting an invading force led by William Duke of Normandy (later known as [|William the Conqueror]). This was shortly after Harold defeated an invading army led by [|King][|Harald of Norway].



 **//Ascent to Power //**

 Prior to Harold's kingship, he was titled Earl of Wessex (a title which he received from his father, [|Earl Godwin]) and saw England through various military disputes. Perhaps one of the most notable being his involvement against the Welsh armies led by [|King Gruffydd]. Upon victory over King Gruffydd however, Harold sought to facilitate economic growth in Wales by developing towns and improving the flow of resources. It was involvement such as this that improved his candidacy as successor to the throne.

 King Edward fell ill at the end of the year 1065 and died in 1066 when he chose Harold Godwinson to succeed the throne of England. This triggered the invasion of England by the Normans led by William Duke of Normandy.

  **//Fall from Power //**

 Harold's kingship was contested by William as he argued that he had more entitlement to the throne than Harold. It was also suggested that William held a vendetta against Harold due to the breaking of a marriage agreement between Harold and William's daughter. This contention of kingship is especially evident in the Norman produced [|Doomesday Book] where King Harold is only referred to as Earl Harold. This is interesting because the Norman produced [|Bayeux Tapestry] clearly depicts King Harold's coronation. Additionally, Harold had the support of several witnesses to maintain his claim that King Edward chose him as the successor. Nevertheless, Harold's brother ([|Earl Tostig]) also contested the kingship and appealed to the Norwegians for support in an invasion against England.

 King Harald led the Norwegian army in a military campaign against England which culminated at [|Stamford Bridge] where King Harold led an army to fight the invasion. It was reported that Harold personally rode up to the Norwegian line to offer terms. Upon refusal of these terms a battle commenced and the English were the victors.

 During this conflict, the Normans had began their invasion of England. Harold then sought to meet them in battle shortly after defeating the Norwegians. The two armies confronted each other at Hastings where King Harold fought and died on the front line with his soldiers. In this position, Harold lacked the command and control over his army to halt the pursuit of the Norman army who were conducting false retreats to open the Anglo-Saxon ranks.



 **//Contribution //**

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',serif; font-size: 90%;"> Despite Harold's short kingship, his maintenance of England ensured the propagation of Anglo-Saxon society. This contribution was necessary for the development of the Doomesday book which required sophisticated administrative systems for its compilation. These administrative systems were "inherited from the Anglo-Saxon predecessors." Harold was renowned for his loyalty to his country and his provision to the needs of his countrymen.

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