House / Group: Saxon
Born / died: 1022-1066
Reign: 1066-1066
Harold Godwinson, son of Godwin (Earl of Wessex) and his second wife, Gytha Thorkelsdóttir (great-granddaughter of Harold Bluetooth, King of Denmark and Norway).
He married Edith (daughter of the Earl of Mercia, and former wife of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn) and had 1 or 2 sons (Harold and possibly Ulf). Harold also had 5 illegitimate children by his famous mistress (or wife in Danish law) Ealdgyth Swan-neck (Godwine, Edmund, Magnus, Gyda and Gunhild).
Harold helped his father defend Wessex and inherited the title on his father's death. He fought a series of campaigns which increased his power and standing and on the death of Edward the Confessor he successfully claimed the throne.
England was invaded simultaneously by Harald of Norway and William Duke of Normandy. Harald had initial success, but King Harold defeated him comprehensively at the battle of Stamford Bridge. Moving south to meet William, Harold was defeated and killed at the Battle of Hastings (there is little real evidence to support the arrow in the eye story).
Harold, the last Saxon king, was probably buried at Waltham Abbey, though his body is now lost.
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