Harold Godwin (or Harold of Wessex) was King of England after Edward the Confessor died, because he quickly took the throne. He led the English army into battle against William the Conqueror at the Battle of the Hastings. Harold was born around 1022. His father was Godwin of Wessex, and he was the most powerful nobleman in England. Harold become Earl of East Anglia in 1046. When Godwin was exiled in 1051, Harold went to Ireland where he stayed with the Dermont, Kind of Leinster. In 1052, his father returned to England, and Harold di the same thing. Godwin regained all that he had lost when he had been sent to exile. In 1053, Godwin died, so Harold succeeded his father as Earl of Wessex. From this time on, Harold was a loyal supporter of Edward the Confessor.
In 1063, Harold led an English army into Wales, which was an area that had never been overly respectful of the English. Some reports from the time say that his army killed every adult Welsh male they came across. His campaign of terror left parts of Wales depopulated. When Harold was not away campaigning, he found time and got married. He married Eadgyth Swanneck and they had five children. Harold also wanted to create a place of learning, which is why he funded the creation of a large church in Waltham which had a chancellor, a dean and twelve canons.
In 1054, Harold was shipwrecked on the coast of Ponthieu. William of Normandy ordered the Duke of Ponthieu, Guy, to hand over Harold. Harold went to Rouen with William and accompanied William into battle. After one such battle against Conan of Brittany, that Harold is said to have promised William that he would support William's claim to the throne of England on the death of Edward the Confessor. After this "promise", William allowed Harold to return to England. When Harold had returned, he claimed that the "promise" had been forced out of him.
After Edward died on January 5th 1066, On January 6th, the Witan met to decide who should succeed Edward as he had no children to give the throne to. The Witan consisted of 60 of England's most powerful nobles and they decided that Harold should have the throne. But the Witan had discussed the other men that would be up for the title. It was William of Normandy, Harold Hadrada, Edgar Etheling and Harold Godwin. But William and Hardrada wanted to battle.
Harold placed a large number of troops along the south coast of the Isle of Wight. Harold had to first fight his brother Tostig, and Hardrada, as they invaded the north of England. Harold won the battle, and had to march south to fight William. Harold lost the battle, and was killed in the Battle of the Hastings on October 15th.
In 1063, Harold led an English army into Wales, which was an area that had never been overly respectful of the English. Some reports from the time say that his army killed every adult Welsh male they came across. His campaign of terror left parts of Wales depopulated. When Harold was not away campaigning, he found time and got married. He married Eadgyth Swanneck and they had five children. Harold also wanted to create a place of learning, which is why he funded the creation of a large church in Waltham which had a chancellor, a dean and twelve canons.
In 1054, Harold was shipwrecked on the coast of Ponthieu. William of Normandy ordered the Duke of Ponthieu, Guy, to hand over Harold. Harold went to Rouen with William and accompanied William into battle. After one such battle against Conan of Brittany, that Harold is said to have promised William that he would support William's claim to the throne of England on the death of Edward the Confessor. After this "promise", William allowed Harold to return to England. When Harold had returned, he claimed that the "promise" had been forced out of him.
After Edward died on January 5th 1066, On January 6th, the Witan met to decide who should succeed Edward as he had no children to give the throne to. The Witan consisted of 60 of England's most powerful nobles and they decided that Harold should have the throne. But the Witan had discussed the other men that would be up for the title. It was William of Normandy, Harold Hadrada, Edgar Etheling and Harold Godwin. But William and Hardrada wanted to battle.
Harold placed a large number of troops along the south coast of the Isle of Wight. Harold had to first fight his brother Tostig, and Hardrada, as they invaded the north of England. Harold won the battle, and had to march south to fight William. Harold lost the battle, and was killed in the Battle of the Hastings on October 15th.