Godwinson Collection

King Harold II (Harold Godwinson)
HAROLD II or HAROLD GODWINSON (c 1022-1066) King of England, reigned for nine months in 1066, killed at Hastings

Bayeux Tapestry (1 of 8)
A black and white depiction of the Bayeux Tapestry. In this section, Harold Godwinson meets with King Edward the Confessor and sails to France

Battle of Hastings
BATTLE OF HASTINGS The battle rages between the armies of Harold and William, Duke of Normandy

HAROLD ARROW IN EYE
BATTLE OF HASTINGS Harold is fatally wounded by an arrow through his eye; William's army is ranged opposite him. Date: 14 October 1066

Arrow Eye Events Britain Norman Conquest 14 October
arrow, eye, events, britain, norman, conquest, 14, october, 1066, battle, hastings, harold, king, england, fatally, wounded, ii, godwinson, history, historical, 10013254

Battle of Stamford Bridg
BATTLE OF STAMFORD BRIDGE Harald Godwinson (Harold, king of England) defeats invading Norwegians under Harald Haardraade

The death of Harold at the Battle of Hastings, 1066, (1944). Creator: Unknown
The death of Harold at the Battle of Hastings, 1066, (1944). The Latin reads: Harold Rex Interfectus Est - King Harold is killed

The Norman cavalry attacks the English shield-wall and battle is joined, 1070 (wool embroidery on linen)
XCF115624 The Norman cavalry attacks the English shield-wall and battle is joined, 1070 (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

King Harold II dies at the Battle of Hastings
Saxon King Harold II, in front of the standard of England, is pierced by a falling arrow at the Battle of Hastings on 14th October 1066. Date: 14th October 1066

Harold's ships are blown to the territory of Count Guy of Ponthieu, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183103 Harold's ships are blown to the territory of Count Guy of Ponthieu, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

William, Duke of Normandy rides to welcome Harold, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183115 William, Duke of Normandy rides to welcome Harold, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Harold rides to Bosham church to pray before leaving for Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183100 Harold rides to Bosham church to pray before leaving for Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) (detail of 115608) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie

Duke Conan of Brittany offers William the keys of Dinan and William honours Harold
XIR157769 Duke Conan of Brittany offers William the keys of Dinan and William honours Harold, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie

William leads his army to Brittany where they get stuck in quicksand, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183120 William leads his army to Brittany where they get stuck in quicksand, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Armed riders from Duke William arrive to escort Harold to him, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183111 Armed riders from Duke William arrive to escort Harold to him, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Count Guy of Ponthieu's soldiers take Harold prisoner to Beaurain, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR161949 Count Guy of Ponthieu's soldiers take Harold prisoner to Beaurain, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Count Guy of Ponthieu seizes Harold as he lands in Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183106 Count Guy of Ponthieu seizes Harold as he lands in Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Count Guy leads Harold to William, Duke of Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183114 Count Guy leads Harold to William, Duke of Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Harold's ships are blown to the territory of Count Guy of Ponthieu, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183104 Harold's ships are blown to the territory of Count Guy of Ponthieu, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Duke William's messangers arrive at Beaurain Castle, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183110 Duke William's messangers arrive at Beaurain Castle, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Aelfgyva with a priest, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183118 Aelfgyva with a priest, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

William leads his army against Duke Conan of Brittany, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183119 William leads his army against Duke Conan of Brittany, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Harold addresses William in the Great Hall of his castle in Rouen, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183117 Harold addresses William in the Great Hall of his castle in Rouen, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Duke William encourages his troops to prepare themselves for the battle against the English army
XIR165820 Duke William encourages his troops to prepare themselves for the battle against the English army, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School

Earl Harold is led by Count Guy to William, Duke of Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183113 Earl Harold is led by Count Guy to William, Duke of Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Harold and Count Guy of Ponthieu talking together at Beaurain, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183102 Harold and Count Guy of Ponthieu talking together at Beaurain, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Duke Conan flees from Dol with Duke William's knights in pursuit, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR181083 Duke Conan flees from Dol with Duke William's knights in pursuit, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Duke William's envoys come to find Count Guy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183109 Duke William's envoys come to find Count Guy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

William honours Harold and they ride to Bayeux together, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183121 William honours Harold and they ride to Bayeux together, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

A groom brings William his charger, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR159300 A groom brings William his charger, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Harold Drags Norman Soldiers from the Quicksand, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR154192 Harold Drags Norman Soldiers from the Quicksand, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Norman Knights Ride to Hastings to Forage for Food, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR181249 Norman Knights Ride to Hastings to Forage for Food, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Duke William's soldiers ride past Rennes in pursuit of Duke Conan of Brittany
XIR165817 Duke William's soldiers ride past Rennes in pursuit of Duke Conan of Brittany, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie

Duke William Preparing to Sail to Pevensey, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR182014 Duke William Preparing to Sail to Pevensey, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Duke William's envoys come to Count Guy de Ponthieu, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183108 Duke William's envoys come to Count Guy de Ponthieu, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Normans and English Fall Side by Side in Battle, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR154193 Normans and English Fall Side by Side in Battle, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Norman soldiers leaving Hastings to do battle with Harold, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR161964 Norman soldiers leaving Hastings to do battle with Harold, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Normans and English Fall Side by Side in Battle, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR175738 Normans and English Fall Side by Side in Battle, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Count Guy leads Harold to Beaurain where he holds him, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183107 Count Guy leads Harold to Beaurain where he holds him, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Norman archers prepare themselves for the battle against the English army, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR165821 Norman archers prepare themselves for the battle against the English army, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Envoys from Duke William are Sent to Count Guy of Ponthieu, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR162169 Envoys from Duke William are Sent to Count Guy of Ponthieu, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

The Ships are Blown by the Winds towards the territory of Count Guy of Ponthieu
XIR183105 The Ships are Blown by the Winds towards the territory of Count Guy of Ponthieu, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie

Count Guy takes Earl Harold to William, Duke of Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183112 Count Guy takes Earl Harold to William, Duke of Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Attack on the Town of Dinan, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR161717 Attack on the Town of Dinan, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

The Normans kill those who have been with King Harold, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR161056 The Normans kill those who have been with King Harold, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

The Norman invasion fleet crosses the channel, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR155377 The Norman invasion fleet crosses the channel, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Harold and his men feast at his house in Bosham then sail for Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183101 Harold and his men feast at his house in Bosham then sail for Normandy, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

Harold is taken by William to his castle at Rouen, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen)
XIR183116 Harold is taken by William to his castle at Rouen, Bayeux Tapestry (wool embroidery on linen) by English School, (11th century); Musee de la Tapisserie, Bayeux

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Godwinson, also known as King Harold II, was a significant figure in British history. His story is intricately woven into the fabric of the Bayeux Tapestry, an iconic historical artifact that depicts the events leading up to the Norman Conquest. One striking scene shows Harold with an arrow piercing his eye, symbolizing his fate at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October. The Battle of Hastings was a pivotal moment in English history, where Harold's forces clashed with those led by William, Duke of Normandy. Despite earlier triumphs at the Battle of Stamford Bridge against Viking invaders, it was here that King Harold II met his tragic end. The death of Harold at the Battle of Hastings is immortalized in various depictions throughout history. In one such portrayal from 1944 by an unknown artist, we witness this poignant moment unfold before our eyes. Before his ill-fated encounter with William's army, Harold faced another challenge when his ships were blown off course and landed in Count Guy of Ponthieu's territory. This incident is captured in exquisite detail within the Bayeux Tapestry. Interestingly enough, even amidst these adversities and impending doom, there are glimpses of harmony and diplomacy depicted within this historic artwork. We see Duke Conan offering William keys to Dinan as a sign of respect and honor bestowed upon him for welcoming Harold. In another scene from the tapestry, we witness Harold riding to Bosham church to seek solace and pray before embarking on his journey to Normandy. This display highlights not only his religious devotion but also showcases moments where he sought guidance during tumultuous times. Godwinson’s legacy lives on through these captivating visuals found within the Bayeux Tapestry – a testament to both his bravery on battlefields and moments marked by diplomacy amidst chaos.