Harold son of Godwin

Also known as: Earl Harold / Harold / Harold the earl / Harold, king of the English / King Harold · Family: English · Role: earl · First appears: A.D. 1046–1047

In 1046, Harold was the brother of Earl Sweyne and Tosty. In 1048 he went to Ireland and remained there through the winter under the king’s protection; Elgar received the earldom Harold had held. In 1049, Harold recovered his cousin Beorn’s body and buried him at Winchester with King Knute.

In 1051, Earl Godwin placed Harold over his earldom, and the two gathered forces with Earl Sweyne at Langtree, ready to fight the king unless their demands were met. Harold went to Ireland that winter, while Elgar took his earldom. In 1052, Harold and Earl Godwin were reconciled with Edward son of Ethelred and restored to their former standing and possessions; after Godwin and his sons were declared outlaws, Harold and Leofwine son of Godwin sailed from Bristol to Ireland. Harold later returned with nine ships, landed at Porlock, and took provisions, cattle, people, and property. In 1053, he took the earldom his father had held.

In 1055, Harold and Elgar established amity and friendship at Bilsley. In 1056, Harold joined Earl Leofric and Aldred in making peace with Griffin. In 1063, Harold campaigned against Griffin, burning his habitation and putting him to flight; after Harold made a truce with the people of Wales and received hostages, Griffin was killed by his own men in the war against him. In 1065, Harold was hallowed king after Edward son of Ethelred settled the realm on him.

In 1066, Harold succeeded Edward and was crowned king on Twelfth-day. At Stanfordbridge, he defeated the Norwegian army, killing Harald, King of Norway and Tosty; he let Edmund, the king's son (A.D. 1066) return to Norway with the ships and gave quarter to Olave, the Norwegian king's son and other survivors. Harold then fought William of Normandy at Hastings and fell with his brothers Girth and Leofwine son of Godwin. In 1067, his mother Githa went overseas to St. Omer’s.