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Harold was the most powerful man in England as
Wessex was a very rich and important area. On his deathbed Edward is said to
have promised Harold the crown.
He was the favourite of many English Thanes who
would choose the next King: in 1066 you didn't have to be the closest
relation to be the next monarch.
Harold was born in about 1022. His father,
Godwin of Wessex, was the most powerful nobleman in England. Harold became
Earl of East Anglia in 1046. He also got a share of his brother Swegen's
lands when Swegen was sent into exile in 1046.
When Godwin was exiled in
1051, Harold went to Ireland where he stayed with the Dermont, King of
Leinster. In 1052, when his father returned to England, Harold did the same.
Godwin regained all that he has lost when he had been sent into exile. In
1053, Godwin died and Harold succeeded his father as Earl of Wessex. From
this time on Harold was a loyal supporter of Edward the Confessor.
Kings Alfred The Great, King of Wessex athelstan King of the English Athelred II The Unready, King of the English canute King of England eadred King of the English eadwig King of the English Edgar I, King of the English Edmund I, King of the English Edmund II Ironside, King of the English Edward The Martyr, King of the English
King Arthur King Edward the Confessor
King Harold of Wessex King William I King William Rufus
King Henry I King Stephen King Henry II King Richard I King John King Henry III King Edward I King Edward II
King Edward III |
