King Harold: The True Story Of The Last Anglo-Saxon King

When they give you a nickname like Ralf The Timid...they're really setting you up for failure, aren't they?

I love these old stories of Anglo Saxon history. Very intriguing period of time. So much happening. Very interesting. Good stuff. Sir Tony is the cherry on top

Feel we missed out with Harold

I just noticed in Crusader Kings III on 1066 start, King Harold was listed as "Hard campaign" while William the Bastard was "Medium campaign"

Now I love Tony Robinson documentaries... does anyone else notice how he is really churning them out recently?

There's always that one kid that's the favourite, although your parents say "Oh no he's not, we love all of you equally." Gets expelled from school(countries in Swein's case) Picks on his brothers, offends the neighbours (neighbouring countries) etc. Whilst the good kids like Harold get ignored.

An excellent documentary, though Tony claims that Harold was half Viking because his mother was Danish. Yet the Anglos originated in Denmark close to their neighbours the Saxons, so he was already related. Harold was also related to the Norman's or Northmen, who were also Vikings who again also originated in Denmark. So this whole affair can be viewed as more of a dynastic struggle for power. Though one can't help thinking that it was Harold who deserved to win, not William the bastard.

The arrow in the eye case is an interesting one. I suggest anyone interested in the era and conquest to read Marc Morris’ book. His conclusion was that whilst Harold being felled by an arrow in the eye cannot be proven to have not happened there is also zero contemporary evidence or comment on this having occurred. Sources vary and contradict but the general claim is that William (or one of his close companions) spotted Harold and his brothers fighting on top of the hill and subsequently dispatched what was basically a death squad of knights to kill the King. In an age when rules around warfare and more specifically military leaders was beginning to emerge (or re-emerge depending on your view) this might not have reflected well on William on the international stage , no matter how just his cause. As many people know the Bayeux tapestry - whilst astonishing in its survival and detail - has been tampered with over the centuries. After closely studying the embroidery it was discovered that the figure below “Harold Rex interfectus est”,(famously clutching an arrow) might actually have originally been clutching a spear. When this alteration occurred is unclear. But the question of why it was is an equally interesting one. It seems that the death of Harold by an arrow loosed by an anonymous archer aligned much more nicely with the idea that Harolds death was ultimately down to Gods will for him having usurped (in the view of William and his supporters) the English throne. Harold was most likely hacked to death alongside his brothers and their Huscarls - like many in the closing moments of the battle. But if you like to take the view that Harold was killed by an arrow that’s fine as well as we simply will never know 100%.

Thank you, Tony Robinson for presenting and writers/cinematographers for the education.

This was very well written and enjoyed. Thank you.

Once again. Thank you Sir Anthony. Well done. 👍👍

The arrow in the eye theory has been discredited, it never happened, but the story was based on a later mis-reading of the Bayeux Tapestry.

Harold would have made a Great king

Thank you Tony. Very informative and enjoyable

Edith (Swan neck) identified King Harold's body by his eermm "Johnson" crown jewels if you will.

Tony Robinson is the history GOAT

Harlod deserves a better reputation.

Really great video. Thank you.

This documentary is gold. Thank you for completing my history lessons from some decades ago.

I listen to this doc as my comfort listening. I hope King Harold wouldn't mind.