The Death of Edward the Confessor

In January 1066, King Edward the Confessor died, leaving no clear heir. Harold Godwinson, who had already established himself as a powerful figure in English politics, was chosen by the Witenagemot (the Anglo-Saxon council of nobles) to be king. He was crowned Harold II of England on January 6, 1066, in Westminster Abbey. Harold’s coronation, however, was not universally accepted.

Across the Channel, William of Normandy also claimed that Edward had promised him the throne and that Harold’s coronation was a violation of that promise. Meanwhile, in Norway, Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway, also laid claim to the throne, based on an earlier agreement between the Norwegian and English crowns. Thus, within a year of Edward’s death, England found itself facing two major threats to its throne: William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada.

The Battle of Stamford Bridge

Before Harold could confront William, he had to deal with the Norwegian threat. Harald Hardrada, supported by Tostig Godwinson (Harold’s estranged brother), landed in northern England and advanced toward York. In response, Harold Godwinson gathered his army and marched north at an incredible pace, surprising Hardrada’s forces. The two armies met at Stamford Bridge on September 25, 1066, where Harold’s forces achieved a decisive victory. Harald Hardrada was killed in battle, and Tostig was also slain, ending the Norwegian claim to the throne.

However, this victory came at a heavy cost. Harold’s army, though victorious, was exhausted and depleted from the battle. Worse still, Harold received news almost immediately that William of Normandy had landed in southern England, intending to invade.

The Battle of Hastings

Harold quickly turned his attention south to confront the new threat. On October 14, 1066, the two armies met at Hastings, in what would become one of the most famous battles in English history. Harold’s army, though battle-hardened from the victory at Stamford Bridge, was fatigued and outnumbered. Harold took a defensive position on Senlac Hill, but William’s forces, including cavalry and archers, mounted a series of successful attacks.

One of the most enduring images of the Battle of Hastings is the moment of Harold’s death. According to the Bayeux Tapestry, Harold was struck in the eye by an arrow and fell, his death marking the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England. With Harold’s death, William’s victory at Hastings was secured, and the Norman Conquest of England began. shutdown123