|
More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
|
Harold II
|
|
(c.1022–1066) The last *Anglo-Saxon king of England, reigning for ten months. He had succeeded his father, *Godwin, as earl of Wessex in 1053. The death of *Edward the Confessor in January 1066, after naming Harold at the last moment as his successor, caused two rivals to invade the country. The first was Harold Hardraade, king of Norway. Harold II defeated him in the northeast at *Stamford Bridge, on September 25, but then had to march hurriedly down to the south coast where *William the Conqueror landed on September 28. Harold died in the resulting Battle of *Hastings, on October 14.
|
|
|
|