Harold: The Last Anglo-Saxon King

by Walker, Ian W.

• ISBN13: 9780750924566
• ISBN10: 075092456X
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-06-01
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square

Summary

Until now, King Harold Godwineson's claim to fame was that he was shot through the eye with an arrow and died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Known mainly for this defeat, his true status and achievements have been overshadowed. Ian Walker contends that Harold deserves to be remembered as one of England's greatest rulers and sets out to correct his distorted image. Harold: The Last Anglo-Saxon King offers the first full-length critical study of his career in the years leading up to 1066. Walker reveals the distortions in the divergent 'English' and 'Norman' accounts available, allowing the reader a realistic assessment of Harold and his rival William and in the process enhancing our view of both.

Table of Contents

List of Plates, Illustrations and Maps	vii
Acknowledgements	xi
Family Trees	xiii
General Maps	xvii
Introduction	xxi
Family Origins	1	(18)
Harold, son of Godwine	19	(18)
Exile and Return	37	(17)
The Lands and Wealth of Harold	54	(20)
Earl of Wessex	74	(17)
William of Normandy	91	(12)
Earl Tosti	103	(17)
Harold the Man	120	(16)
King Harold	136	(16)
Harald of Norway	152	(14)
The Last Campaign	166	(17)
End of a Dynasty	183	(16)
Conclusion	199	(4)
Appendix One	203	(2)
Appendix Two	205	(10)
Abbreviations	215	(2)
Notes	217	(20)
Bibliography	237	(8)
Index	245