Harold II

Harold II (c. 1020-66). The last Anglo-Saxon king of England. The son of Earl Godwin, he was recognized as heir to the throne by Edward the Confessor but had earlier promised to support William of Normandy’s claim to the throne. On Edward’s death (1066), Harold was immediately crowned and William prepared to invade England. Harold defeated and killed his brother Tostig of Northumberland and Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, who had invaded northern England, at Stamford Bridge. A few days later William landed with his Norman invaders and Harold was killed at the Battle of Hastings, shot in the eye with an arrow.