Harold Godwinson Biography

Edward the Confessor entrusts the kingdom to Harold on his deathbed, strengthening Harold's immediate claim to the throne.

Harold Godwinson is crowned king after the death of Edward the Confessor

Harold Godwinson is crowned king after the death of Edward the Confessor

Harold assumes royal authority after Edward's death and the rapid decision of the English political leadership.

Harold II calls out land and sea forces to guard the south coast against William

Harold's government responds to Tostig's coastal attacks while Edwin of Mercia defeats the exiled earl's invasion.

Harold maintains forces along the southern coast while expecting a possible invasion from Normandy.

Harold keeps land and naval forces ready against William while the Norman fleet remains delayed across the Channel.

Harold orders the English fleet back toward London as the long summer coastal watch comes to an end.

Harold leads a rapid march north to confront the Norwegian invasion before it can consolidate control around York.

Harold releases much of the seasonal army after prolonged mobilisation exhausts supplies and the expected Norman landing is delayed.

Harold II moves rapidly north to confront the Norwegian army

Harold II receives news that William has landed in the south

Harold learns that Harald Hardrada and Tostig have entered northern England and redirects his attention from the Channel coast.

Harold's army reaches Tadcaster after a rapid march of roughly two hundred miles toward the Norwegian forces.

Harold advances rapidly from York and catches the Norwegian army by surprise near Stamford Bridge.

Harold's forces break the Norwegian army after fierce fighting and destroy Hardrada's attempt to seize the English throne.

Harold II surprises the Norwegian army near Stamford Bridge

Harold II defeats the Norwegian invasion at Stamford Bridge

Harold II restores English control in York after the Norwegian defeat

Harold emerges from the northern campaign with the principal Norwegian claimant dead and the invasion decisively defeated.

Harold II pauses in London to collect reinforcements before facing William

Harold leads the core of his army south from Yorkshire to confront William before the Normans can advance farther inland.

Harold pauses briefly in London to collect additional troops before continuing toward the Norman position near Hastings.

Harold II returns south from Yorkshire after defeating the Norwegian invasion

Harold II gathers forces after learning of the Norman landing

Harold receives news that William has landed in Sussex only days after the victory at Stamford Bridge.

Harold II advances into Sussex to confront Williams army near Hastings

Harold reaches the ridge near Battle and camps opposite William's army on the evening before the decisive engagement.

Harold is killed during the final phase of the Battle of Hastings, leaving the English army without its king.

Harold II is killed and the English army collapses at Hastings

Harold II deploys the English shield wall on the ridge above the battlefield

Harold's troops hold their hilltop position through repeated Norman attacks during many hours of fighting.

Harold deploys his army on the ridge in a dense shield wall designed to resist Norman infantry and cavalry.