Harold Godwinson

Harold Godwinson (c. 1022–1066), son of Earl Godwin of Wessex, became the most powerful noble in England and succeeded his childless brother-in-law Edward the Confessor, crowned king on 6 January 1066. His reign opened with invasion: his brother Tostig joined Harald Hardrada of Norway, whom Harold defeated and killed at Stamford Bridge on 25 September 1066 after a forced march north.

He then hurried south to face William of Normandy. At Hastings on 14 October he fell, the last crowned Anglo-Saxon king of England.