HAROLD
II (r. Jan-Oct 1066)On Edward's death, the King's Council (the Witenagemot)
confirmed Edward's brother-in-law Harold, Earl of Wessex, as King. With no royal
blood, and fearing rival claims from William Duke of Normandy and the King of
Norway, Harold had himself crowned in Westminster Abbey on 6 January 1066, the
day after Edward's death. During his brief reign, Harold showed he was an outstanding
commander.
In September, Harald Hardrada of Norway (aided by Harold's alienated
brother Tostig, Earl of Northumbria) invaded England and was defeated by Harold
at the Battle of Stamford Bridge near York. Hardrada's army had invaded using
over 300 ships; so many were killed that only 25 ships were needed to transport
the survivors home.Meanwhile, William, Duke of Normandy (who claimed that
Harold had acknowledged him in 1064 as Edward's successor) had landed in Sussex.
Harold rushed south and, on 14 October 1066, his army of some 7,000 infantry was
defeated on the field of Senlac near Hastings. Harold was hit in the eye by an
arrow and cut down by Norman swords.
An abbey was later built, in 1070,
to fulfil a vow made by William I, and its high altar was placed on the spot where
Harold fell. The ruins of Battle Abbey still remain with a stone slab marking
where Harold died.