Harold dead bayeux tapestry

1042-1066

By sebniklexis
  • Period: Jan 1, 1040 to Jan 1, 1070

    1040-1070

  • Jun 8, 1042

    Edward the Confessor is crowned King of England

    Edward the Confessor is crowned King of England
    King Edward II brought Norman influence into the court and opened up England to more cultural and political contact with Europe than ever before.
  • Sep 1, 1051

    Edward the Confessor exiles Godwin, Earl of Wessex

    Edward the Confessor exiles Godwin, Earl of Wessex
    In September of 1051, Edward the Confessor exiled a powerful nobleman known as Earl Godwin of Wessex. Despite the fact that the Earl helped protect the nation, there were family quarrels and Godwin and his family had to leave.
  • Aug 1, 1064

    Harold promises the throne to William

    Harold promises the throne to William
    In 1064, Harold, earl of Wessex, was shipwrecked on the coast of Ponthieu. He was captured by Count Guy I of Ponthieu, and held hostage until William the Conquerer freed him. In exchange, Harold promised to hand over the throne to William.
  • Jan 6, 1066

    Edward the Confessor dies

    Edward the Confessor dies
    Harold, Earl of Wessex, known as Harold II, is crowned King of England on the day of Edward's funeral. William, Duke of Normandy and Harald Hadrada, King of Normandy threatened Harold and claimed the right to the throne.
  • Sep 1, 1066

    Harald Hadrada attacks England

    Harald Hadrada attacks England
    His father, Hardicanute, had been King of England in 1042, before Edward the Confessor.
    Harald Hadrada and Harold II's brother, Tostig, invade England with 300 ships and burn Scarborough.
  • Sep 20, 1066

    Battle of Fulford

    Battle of Fulford
    Hadrada and Tostig defeat the English and take York in four days.
  • Sep 25, 1066

    The Battle of Stamford Bridge

    The Battle of Stamford Bridge
    Harold II defeats Harald Hardrada and Tostig, Harold's brother, at Stamford Bridge. He kills both of them and less than 30 of the 300 raiding ships were able to return to Norway.
  • Sep 28, 1066

    William the Conquerer lands on English soil

    William the Conquerer lands on English soil
    William the Conquerer of Normandy lands at Pevensey on the southern coast of England. He had laid claims to the throne and believed that he had been promised it by Harold II.
  • Oct 14, 1066

    The Battle of Hastings

    The Battle of Hastings
    William the Conquerer defeated Harold II. While both armies were evenly matched in numbers, Harold's men were exhausted from the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Harold was killed by an arrow to the eye.
  • Dec 25, 1066

    William the Conquerer is crowned King

    William the Conquerer is crowned King
    William was crowned at Westminster Abbey, where Edward the Confessor had been buried.