History Extra podcast
Life of the Week: Harold Godwinson (Harold II)
Jan 23, 2024
David Musgrove explores the life of Harold Godwinson, the king defeated by William the Conqueror. They discuss the famous arrow to the eye story, Harold's rise to power, the Battle of Hastings, and Harold's alleged allegiance to William. They also delve into Harold's character, his reputation as a ruthless leader, and speculate on alternate history outcomes if he had won. The potential consequences of Harold's survival and the future challenges for England are also explored.
31:09
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Quick takeaways
- Harold Godwinson, though not a direct blood relative of Edward the Confessor, became the practical choice for succession due to his standing and the support of the powerful Godwin family.
- Despite his defeat at Hastings, Harold Godwinson's legacy as the last Anglo-Saxon king of England includes being remembered as a courageous and capable leader, and his resistance to the Norman conquest continues to captivate historians.
Deep dives
Harold Godwinson's Rise to Power
Harold Godwinson becomes the King of England in 1066, succeeding Edward the Confessor. Born into a noble English family, Harold's father, Godwin, rose to power under the Danish conquest and gained favor with the king. Harold's mother, Giffa, hailed from a noble Danish family, connecting Harold to the Anglo-Danish ruling dynasty. With his extensive military experience and the support of his influential family, Harold quickly establishes himself as a strong and capable leader.
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