King Harold: tragic hero of the English

Historian Tom Licence draws on his new biography of the Anglo-Saxon king to explore Harold’s military experience

Published: November 4, 2026 at 1:15 PM

Save

King Harold II of England – otherwise known as Harold Godwinson – famously died at the battle of Hastings, with his demise at the hands of Duke William of Normandy ushering in a new Norman era.

Ad

Speaking to David Musgrove, historian Tom Licence draws on his new biography of the Anglo-Saxon king to explore Harold’s military experience, and investigate his complicated family and political ties. He also revisits the rival invasions of 1066, asks whether Harold could have won at Hastings, and examines what the Bayeux Tapestry and later legends tell us about his death – and his place in England’s national memory.

Authors

Dr David Musgrove, FSAContent director

David Musgrove is the content director at HistoryExtra

Ad

Ad

Loading...

Ad

Loading...