Harold Godwinson was born around 1021. His father was Godwin, Earl of Wessex who, despite suffering many setbacks, had emerged as the most powerful man in the land after the king.
On his father's death in 1053, Harold was to inherit his title and continue along the same path.
The family influence over the crown had earlier been further enhanced when Harold’s sister Edith married King Edward the Confessor and eventually Harold was to become chief adviser to the king.
On Edward's death, despite his promise to support the Duke of Normandy in his claim to the throne, Harold became king.
In the April of 1066 Halley's Comet appeared over England and Saxon observers feared that this 'hairy star' would prove a bad omen.
How right they were! Harold's reign would last just nine months, nine days.
The first threat to his kingdom came from the Norwegian King Hardrada, who based his claim on Scandinavian links to the throne and, aided by Harold's rebellious brother, Tostig, mounted an attack which resulted in the Battle of Stamford Bridge, near York on September 25, where the Norwegian army were routed.
Harold then learned that the Normans had landed at Pevensey and he force marched his troops south to Hastings where, on that fateful day of October 14, 1066 he would lose the crown of England – and his life.
Harold's body was eventually taken for burial to Waltham Abbey in Essex.
