House of Godwin
Videos
Page
The House of Godwin was an Anglo-Saxon family who were one of the leading noble families in England during the last fifty years before the Norman Conquest. Its most famous member was Harold Godwinson, King of England for nine months in 1066.
Godwin and his family return by ship to the court of king Edward the Confessor in 1052. From a 13th-century manuscript of the Vita Ædwardi Regis
Portrait of Godwin's daughter Edith, from a 13th-century manuscript of the Vita Ædwardi Regis
The coronation of Harold Godwinson, from the Bayeux Tapestry
Seal of King Inge II of Norway
Harold Godwinson
Videos
Page
Harold Godwinson, also called Harold II, was the last crowned Anglo-Saxon English king. Harold reigned from 6 January 1066 until his death at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066. It was the decisive battle of the Norman Conquest. Harold's death marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule over England. He was succeeded by William the Conqueror.
Harold Godwinson, from the Bayeux Tapestry
HAROLD SACRAMENTUM FECIT VVILLELMO DUCI ("Harold made an oath to Duke William"): the Bayeux Tapestry shows Harold touching two altars at Bayeux as the duke watches.
Coin of King Harold Godwinson
Gyrth and his brother's death at the Battle of Hastings, scene 52 of the Bayeux Tapestry. HIC CECIDERUNT LEVVINE ET GYRÐ FRATRES HAROLDI REGIS (Here have fallen dead Leofwine and Gyrth, brothers of King Harold)