Edward the Confessor’s Dying Wishes and Harold’s Ascendancy
Edward the Confessor’s Dying Wishes and Harold’s Ascendancy
Blog Article
As Edward neared the end of his life, the question of succession became a matter of great concern. Edward is believed to have named Harold Godwinson as his successor, a claim that was confirmed by many in the Anglo-Saxon court. However, the legitimacy of Harold’s succession was contested. The Bayeux Tapestry, an embroidered cloth that commemorates the Norman Conquest, depicts a moment where Harold allegedly swears an oath to Duke William of Normandy, pledging to support William's claim to the throne. This event is central to the historical debate about Harold’s loyalties and his role in the eventual conflict between England and Normandy.
The tapestry shows Harold, after being shipwrecked in Normandy, swearing fealty to William in a gesture of vassalage, a pledge that was seen as a betrayal by some of Harold's contemporaries. Whether Harold’s oath to William was made under duress or genuine allegiance remains a point of contention among historians. Despite the oath, when Edward died on January 5, 1066, Harold was crowned King of England, much to William’s displeasure.
The Battle of Hastings and Harold’s Death
William of Normandy, enraged by Harold’s assumption of the throne, invaded England. The two sides met at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066. The Bayeux Tapestry portrays the bloody and decisive battle that would determine the fate of England. Harold’s forces were heavily outnumbered, and despite their valiant efforts, the Anglo-Saxon army was defeated. Harold himself is famously depicted in the tapestry as being struck in the eye by an arrow, a wound that led to his death. The image of Harold’s death, though likely exaggerated, has become one of the most iconic moments in English history.
Following Harold’s death, William was crowned King of England, ushering in the Norman Conquest and the end of Anglo-Saxon rule. The legacy of Harold Godwinson, however, lived on in the collective memory of the Anglo-Saxon people. His death marked a pivotal moment in English history, a turning point that would reshape the cultural and political landscape of the kingdom. shutdown123 Report this page