- He was the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, ruling from 1066 until his death at the Battle of Hastings.
- He is known for his military prowess and for his role in the Norman conquest of England.
- He was the son of Godwin, Earl of Wessex, and Gytha, the daughter of Thorgils Sprakabegg, a Danish nobleman.
- Harold Godwinson was proclaimed king of England in January 1066, after the death of Edward the Confessor.
- He faced several challenges to his rule, including from William, Duke of Normandy, who claimed the English throne.
- Harold Godwinson defeated the Norwegian invaders at the Battle of Stamford Bridge in September 1066, but was killed in the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, which resulted in the Norman conquest of England.