Harold Godwinson | The last Anglo-Saxon King killed with an arrow to the eye, or was he?
Vložit
- čas přidán 6. 04. 2023
- Join Kevin Hicks in this video to discover Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo Saxon King of England. Harold Godwinson, was one of the most prominent kings of the 11th century, best known for his short reign as King of England in 1066, a year that would change the course of English history forever. This short video explores Harold's life, from his rise to power as Earl of Wessex, to his fateful battle against William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. Discover the legacy of one of England's most famous kings who was said to have been killed with arrow to the eye.
#HaroldGodwinson #AngloSaxon #BattleofHastings #1066
If you'd like to support the channel further on PATREON, and help us continue making fun, fascinating videos, visit our PATREON page / thehistorysquad
OTHER LINKS:
Website: historysquad.ca
Facebook: / historysquad
Twitter: / history_hicks
Honestly, King Harald Godwinson deserves to be seen as a hero by not just England, but all the Anglo-sphere. He fought valiantly to defend his country and people and while he died, he no doubt helped to change the course of our history forever. As someone with English heritage, I consider him a hero.
Indiana Jones Last Crusade, grail knight played by the late great Robert Eddison.
King Harald's epic march from one enormous battle to then racing down to face the Normans and nearly best them, is the stuff of Greek tragedy.
King Harold was such a great general, fighting off a Viking army with a decisive victory then force marching from York to Hastings in such a small amount of time. I believe if Harald and Tostig never invaded Harold would have defeated William, but fate is set.
Harold would've won the battle of Hastings if the soldiers on his left flank didn't break formation and decided to chase after the fleeing enemy which opened up a way for William to counterattack with his heavy cavalry right into the back of the English formation, the English had the upper hand and was winning the battle right up until that moment. Then chaos followed and Harold was struck down leading to even more chaos.
I gotta say Kevin. I'm really digging the moustache.
😂
Thicc
Yeah, it looks really good. He has the chin for it.
@@einheri Yeah seriously, he really pulls it off!
looks mean, I want a sip of the holy grail off you, sir!!
It's always been fascinating to me that a king would actually lead his armies. It must have been quite inspiring to fight along side your king. Leadership by example is a powerful tool.
Imagine if the same thing happened today or in more recent times, ie. the leaders of government led their armies. I don't think there would be as many wars 😜
@@thehistorysquad I'd gladly volunteer Trudeau (My leader) to go fight in war hahaha. Reminds me of that wonderful quote. "Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die."
@@Enruler yes, strap him onto the front of a tank so he can't run away.
"If you kill your enemies they win" right Justin?
My birthday is 14th October so I have always been fascinated with King Harold and the Battle of Hastings. I am now a History student at uni and your videos are always great!
That's kind of you thanks 👍🏻
Hell of a mustache you got there
Love the Indiana Jones reference too. Well done
Laughed boisterously at "But thats just me and I'm a little bit like that.'
Loving the moustache Kevin it really suits you! Makes you look like a proper grizzled man at arms. Thanks for your videos 🏴 🏴
On of the great things I heard about Harold is just how tough he was. He went north, fought Tostig, marched back south and fought an all day battle at Hastings. And nearly won. If the Saxons had held out for an hour maybe more then the battle would have stopped due to nightfall and by the following morning the Saxons would have been reinforced and William would have lost. But Harold fell, the Saxons collapsed and the Normans took over
This man is a treasure... such rich story telling and good history... and seems like a real good guy too
Cheers Magnus 👍🏻
Thanks for trying to help folks, especially Americans, track who's king for the day. Outstanding job.
May GOD bless
Harold had not long defeated the Vikings up north and had a long hike back to Hastings only to meet the Normans. That bloke and his army must have been exhausted. Advantage Normans. Thanks for that mate. Well presented and your narrating style makes for easy listening.
It's kind of amazing that our current Monarch could be considered a legitimate heir to Harold Godwinson; who himself was (in my opinion) the rightful King!
I'm also loving the commitment to that Saxon-style moustache :D I wonder if you'd one day do a video about the Battle of Hastings in detail? We'd love to see it!
It's certainly on the cards 👍🏻
@@thehistorysquad Amazing!
He's looking like Hulk Hogan. I wish he would have said "You got it Brother!" Keep up the good work Kevin we appreciate it!!
I had the honor to portray a huscarl at the 950th Anniversary reenactment at Hastings in 2016. Truly an amazing experience getting to fight under the banner of the Fighting Man banner. Having marched, formed up the wall, and been bluffed charged by the Norman reenactors on horseback on Senlac Hill during the event I have incredible respect for what those men went through on October 14, 1066. Obviously we were just playing around, but this is the beauty of reenactment. It allows you to take the briefest of glimpses through the eyes of people long past. And that makes you a more appreciative and wellrounded person in your day to day life. The horrors of hand to hand combat must have required an incredible leader to motivate men to fight as hard as the huscarls and fyrd did for Harold Godwinson. Says a lot about how his men felt about him.
That orange and black shield looks amazing. Don’t see a lot of orange in medieval media.
Thanks for making this video about my hero, King Harold ,Kevin. I love visiting the site of the Battle of Hastings . It seems to have something that makes you feel exhilarated and many people have mentioned this. You are a FINE storyteller and thank you for bringing history to life. I bet many people now love history as much as I do thanks to you !
That's so kind of you, thanks. I know what you mean about Battle, it's a lovely town and great to look out over the battle site.
"1066" and it's sequel "1215" are both good reading. Thanks Kevin!
We visited Hastings and the battle site more than 25 years ago and it was incredibly interesting. Love your channel!
Thank you for prounouncing Kiev like a normal person Kevin
Yes! Of all the medieval subjects and battles, the Norman Conquest is my favorite. I’m fascinated with the Battle of Hastings. The gear, equipment and weaponry and what was at stake is captivating. I’m hoping one day excavations are done and more is found.
Great video. Those were heroic times, with Hardrada, William, and Harold all in the thick of the battles. Would make a great movie.
It would indeed
Harold's raid into Wales is the stuff of legend. So sorry what happened to him, he didn't deserve to die like that. May king Harold rest in peace. 🙏🏾⚔️😔🕊
He's not, on the legend he's guarding England from invasion as allegedly written on his tombstone.
It's a bit too late to be sorry 1000 years later, there's been a lot of water under the bridge since then. You wouldn't have been speaking the same English if he had won at Hastings.
@@colinp2238 well actually proabbly more a case of if empress matilda didn’t have a son henry ii then we proabbly still be speaking norman french or a version of it instead of the current version of english.
plus we wouldn’t have had the platagenets or the tudors and stuarts or the hanoverians or the current mob,
@@colinp2238language similar to English regional dialects would been the official English language.
I believe that line is from Indian Jones The Last Crusade; the knight guarding the Holy Grail😊 Great Video Kevin!! Always looking forward to see whats next😅
Yes indeed you're right - a classic line! Cheers Derek 👍🏻
RIP that true king of England! Great video 👍
An excellent video from Kevin Hicks. Harold also had two other brothers Leofwine & Gyrth (both were killed at Hastings). At Stamford Bridge it is told Harold met his brother Tostig, & offered him Northumbria after the shoddy ill conceived battle at Fulford earlier led by Morcar--Tostig asked about Harald Hardrada, Harold replied 6 feet of English earth, so after that parley battle commenced. Tostig was identified by markings on his shoulders, his body was taken back to York & buried near the old Minster there. Nothing is mentioned about Hardrada's corpse but it may have been taken back by the surviving Norwegians. At York Harold heard about The Normans landing at Pevensey & Hastings, both located on Harold's lands. Harold headed back south to London, dismissing most of his Northern soldiers, although his Housecarls followed him south, Harold then called a levy on his southern soldiers to all meet at the "Old Hoar Apple Tree, Senlac. This indicated Harold knew his lands intimately as Senlac (today known as Battle) was on the old Hastings to London road via Canterbury, but at Senlac it was an ideal strategic bottleneck, if Harold could get there quickly he could easily keep The Normans nicely bottled up, Harold knew he wouldn't surprise the rampaging Normans but he could hold the ridgeway at Senlac long enough for more & more men to arrive and add to his army as by then the harvest would have been gathered by then leaving plenty of men to come over & join Harold. His two surviving brothers-Leofwine & Gyrth wisely suggested to Harold to stay in London to marshal more arriving men & the brothers could move down to Senlac to contain The Normans, but Harold insisted on going to Senlac immediately. The essence of Hastings is Harold's men were spotted early by Norman scouts but Duke William knew Harold was on his way so that canceled out the "Surprise" theory, but it is known if The Saxons held on to the ridge at Senlac it is highly likely The Normans would have fallen back to Pevensey or Hastings, Harold's reinforcements could have then divided dealing with the Normans at Pevensey & Hastings easily--obviously that didn't happen but the Norman casualties were heavy, Duke William's reinforcements only arrived at Hastings & Dover after the battle. The battle of Hastings was a very close run thing, lasting a whole day, no Norman gains made until late afternoon when they had a toehold upon Senlac ridge. Was Harold killed by an arrow in the eye? Its possible, it would have incapacitated him yes, but it is certainly likely he was hacked down by a small coterie of Norman horsemen breaking through the crumbling shield wall, a "Death Squad" if you will, allegedly lead by Eustace Of Boulogne (who's claim to the throne was certainly stronger than Harold or Duke William!). As Kevin observed Harold's body was identified by markings apparently by Edith swan neck, his mother asked Duke William for Harold's remains exchanged for a similar weight in gold. Later Harold was buried at Waltham Abbey. Historical evidence of the Battle Of Hastings is hazy, fragmented & mostly speculative washed over with godly morals, at that time "records" were not developed enough to be used as factual, The Carmen of Hastings, The Anglo Saxon Chronicle are contemporary, but most of what we know was written much later decades or centuries later like the story of Harald Hardrada by Snorrigsson written decades after 1066. I have two enjoyable recommendations following Kevin Hick's book recommendation: 1066 The Year Of The Conquest by David Howarth. and The Norman Conquest by Marc Morris, both informative, non biased or judgemental, speculative yes, but enjoyable reads giving us a taste of how life was in 1066. 🙂
Thanks for adding such detail 👍🏻
Thanks for this comment! I’d read Howarth’s book and thought it was one of the best narrative histories ever. He does mention that after King Harold and his various brothers were killed (including his treacherous and disturbed brother Tostig), England was left with a leadership vacuum as the remaining earls were very young indeed, enabling William to consolidate his power even though the English rebelled again and again.
Indeed that was illuminating. Did not know of Harold's line continuing.
Some experts say that it wasn't an arrow but a spear others say Harold was hacked down by Williams personal body guard and that William sent a dedicated hit squad out to pick Harold out and kill him. One of the earliest mentions of Haralds fate says he was hacked down and a leg was cut off and the body was completely mutilated, no mention of an arrow in the eye. It's probably impossible to say for sure how Harold was killed, but he was killed everyone agrees on that.
The legend of Harold's reply when Hadrada asked him what he would receive if he betrayed Tostig to him "six feet of dirt or as much as he needs as he is taller than most men"
Kevin, enjoy watching your history talks about England.
Cheers Malc 👍🏻
Great additional info regarding that time in history. I read all the Saxon chronicles books and just love that time period. You wouldnt find a King today mounting his horse and going to battle as they did then.
Terrific reporting! Thank you again!
You're absolutely right, could you imagine the politicians doing that?
Has always a great history lesson! Thanks Kevin!
What a great view you give Kevin,from ground level.
Always so interesting. I especially like hearing about Harold because I read a book yrs ago about him and his relationship with the queen, Edward’s mother. That was such a wild time in England.
Thank you again for these videos. Just love your bits of detail you always bring out. Brilliant
My pleasure Michael, I'm glad you're still enjoying them.
The mustache is a keeper! Great video!
Being shot in the eye instantly reminds me of history's most accurate bowman, the Mongol Horde, who I believe were rhe first to use bows on horse back? Correct me if I'm wrong haha
Pretty sure the Scythians used horse archery considerably earlier. =^[.]^=
not the first use, just used a different bow than what Europeans were using and favored because it was usable on horseback
The mustache at 2:51 is the wicked uncle that probably led Oliver Reed astray . . . : )
@@Raycheetah it’s even earlier than that if you count chariots, it’s something that occurred across Asia and the Levant around the same time
Very nice to see some Hasting's information. And with the mixture of the stories on Godwinson's death I wonder if they ever really found his body at all.
This is awesome. Battle of Hastings was my favourite subject in History. Always wondered about the whereabouts of Harolds body - finding the kings skull would be enough to confirm whether or not he was indeed shot through the eye. William the conqueror got his comeuppance regardless… let’s just say his burial was a messy one 😂.
Always a good day when i get a notification that you have uploaded a video. Love the content, keep up the amazing work.
Thanks, will do!
Greetings once again from nova Scotia, I am very happy I have found you again, I had been unsubscribed,and was getting no notifications from your chanal. Now that's been fixed, I loved the video, as usual I love the little details that make ALL the difference in history. Glad to know you were all good, and still uploading the good stuff. Best regards, Arthur
Excellent, thanks Arthur. I'm glad you're well and can enjoy the channel once again.
Thank you for sharing
Excellent episode,thank you Kevin.
Glad you enjoyed it, thanks 👍
Every day is a school day with the History Squad.. didn't know he was the Earl of Hereford.
Indeed it is Richard, especially for me 👍🏻
I wasn’t aware of all these details. Thank you so much, Kevin
My pleasure.
It is indeed a good Friday when I see a video uploaded by Kevin Hicks. I had to watch this one a few times to gather all the great knowledge you dropped on us with this one.
Great to hear that, thanks 👍🏻
Ugh these videos are so good.... love love them.
Thanks!!
Enjoyed the video. 1066 was a real turning point in history and it all so easily could have been so different. Is there a statue of Harold? If not there should be.
Officially the end of the Viking Age.....
Harold said at the start of the battle. "You had better watch that chap. He will have someone's eye out"
😮
This video came at the right time! I'm writing an essay primarily about Harold and his father Godwin and his sister Edith, so that's a pleasant coincidence!
Just found your channel and I find a video about my favorite king definitely subbed
Excellent, welcome to the channel 👍🏻
I always enjoy your videos !!!
I appreciate that! Thanks 👍🏻
The key to defending an island nation is a good navy. Alfred the Great knew this, and acted accordingly (among other military reforms.) Apparently it had been forgotten by the time of Harold, and had to be rediscovered centuries later. Incidentally, I just found your channel, and really like what I saw.
Thanks Gordon, welcome!
Excellent video!
From one Kevin to another , great channel!
Cheers Kevin 👍🏻
You remind me of my history teacher. Love it!
I really like your history videos.
1000th Like 😁😁
Keep up the great work!! ☮❤
Wow, thanks. Will do!
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusades......love the mustache. You should keep it. Love your videos, always informative, interesting and with some humor. Not ever BORING like some on history. Thank you for uploading.
That was just it, you couldn't. Thanks for watching 👍🏻
Excellent.... Thanks Kevin . Great .
Love your videoes. 😊
Indiana Jones and the last crusade. Great job as always sir.
Harold hero of the english, what a man.Hastings was such a close-run battle, another half hour and darkness would've meant day two and the arrival of more reinforcements. it's the only battle that still gets me upset! also love the tash.
Same here, makes me sad hearing about it but proud of Harold at the same time.
What I recently found out is that Phillipa of Hainault, the Queen of King Edward III, is also a descendant of Harold Godwinson through his daughter Gytha of Wessex. So with that marriage the bloodline of Harold Godwinson returned to the throne of England. Quite poetic.
Great storytelling, Kevin! I had no clue that the current british rulers were related to Harold Godwinson! Thanks!
I watched your video. I chose "wisely." Thanks for another great history vid.!
😂
Apparently the arrow in the eye on the Bayeux Tapestry is a alteration added later. I believe after the battle king Harolds body couldn't be found so they didn't include his death on the tapestry. But later they decided to add an arrow in his eye to show that he did die at the Battle of Hastings.
Yes, the latest thought on that is that it may even have been a lance rather than an arrow. The Bayeux Tapestry really is quite something. 👍🏻
A nice summary. I tend to like the source materials stated, and I'm also a stickler for details such as Harald Hardrada bringing a Norwegian army, not necessarily a viking army. Although, he was considered the last king of the viking age. I'm sure you're aware of all that and have told the story to be more entertaining than I would have done. Enjoyable all the same.
Also, the reference at the beginning was from Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.
Cheers Harold!
Harald Sigurdsson by name.
That was excellent sir.
Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade was a favorite of mine as a child, nice one. I wonder sometimes what the world would be like if Harold had won the Battle of Hastings and English court remained Anglo-Saxon? We still feel the effects of it today even in small ways, like how in English we have a Saxon word for the animal walking around in the field (cow) and being husbanded by Saxon peasants and a French word (beef, bœuf) when it’s on a nobleman’s table. But what about you Kevin? How do you think things might have been different?
The English language became a beautiful and very expressive language because of the Battle of Hastings.
A discussion for a future PATREON livestream perhaps, but I think we may have had a fairer country.
Fantastic great story of historic significance
Another great video, thank you
Cheers!
Hope you and family are doing well. Thanks for the video.
Yes, we're all good thank you. 👍🏻
Great video again Kevin. I wondered if you may be interested in covering the 1424 Battle of Verneuil? Some really good archery action in that one!
Yes absolutely, it's on the cards 😃
Your channel really is quite excellent
Thanks Jake, I appreciate that 👍🏻
As they used to say in Tiswas, this is what we want! I thoroughly enjoy these presentations by you Kevin. Somehow my subscription had been cancelled, but I've rectified that now.
Thanks Colin, I appreciate that.
YT does some bizarre things and sometimes doesn't send out notifications even if you've dinged the bell.
Tragic end for Godwinson as he kept his country safe from Norse Viking attacks. But he couldn't stop the invasion of Normans who were descended from Vikings themselves.
Another great retelling of history! Such style…keep em coming :)
i love the historical authenticity of the facial hair. and the he choice poorly had me rolling. keep up the great work! cheers!
Glad you enjoyed it 😃
This is absolutely brilliant. Thank you for the awesome content as always Kevin!
Love it ❤🎯
Great Helmet.. what a surprising ..surprise…!
Thankyou very much!
This is great!❤😂
That's an amusing introduction love it 😂.
Thanks kevin
Excellent 👍
Yessss!!! The Templar knight who guarded the Grail in Indiana Jones And the Last Crusade! & You look just like him!!! Great video sir. When do YOU get knighted? I like the sound - Sir Kevin Hicks.
😜
My last name is Norman french, meaning lively one, i did a dna test and its very much scandinavian. Also we are in the Domesday book, so my leanings are towards the Normans. Thanks for the great content again Kev.
Ok, I forgive you for beating we Saxons up in 1066! 😄
My last name is Anglo-saxon when I did a DNA test I had a bit of Scandinavian blood in me to lol. I'm from northern England so Whether this is from the Angles who originally came from the German/danish border or from the later danish Vikings who set up the Danelaw I don't know but it's still very interesting
Sir once again you have come too scratch and delivered a mighty blow. I found the narrative on point, and description of the dynastic struggles spot on. And would like to take the opportunity to thank you profusely. For I have a rather large grin after viewing your presentation . Kudos and I await your future presentations.
Thank you kindly Fred, more to come 👍🏻
@@thehistorysquad 🧐🤔👊👍
Another account of the battle of Stamford Bridge is that a Viking berserker held off the English on the bridge alone. He supposedly killed some 40 men before they finally took him down. It’s also said they had to kill him with spearmen in barrels floating under the bridge.
Probably just a legend. If he was, his name would have been praised in the sagas....
It’s just a myth
It's actually true, and confirmed by eyewitness accounts at the time.
Wollschlager ist konig
@@nickfirth4440 Oh, sources?
The stache is amazing!
My little brother loved the "he chose poorly line" and quoted it constantly. Great reference
Lovely 😂
I know hystory, but I see that you can never know it all. Fascinating subject, excellent work, you chose wisely! Thank you!
🤣 love it!
Actually I think the Patreon's chose wisely.....thanks Luc
"He chose poorly"
HAHAHA!!!
FANTASTIC SIR! 👍
Very interesting - but did Harold take an arrow to the eye?
With your archery knowledge you can probably say whether it would have been survivable, or simply fatal, if he did.
As to being ‘buried on the seashore’, there’s quite compelling evidence that Harold’s last resting place has been found further along the coast of Sussex near Chichester, in the church at Bosham.
Which is still today beside an inlet from the sea…
Given your own archery demonstrations I do believe an arrow would go into the eye, as helmets do tend to guide arrows inward when struck with arrows.
Thank you
The last crusade , brilliant!
The moustache looks really good with the helmet and mail coif lol