Harold Ii King Of England Collection
Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, is a figure deeply intertwined with the dramatic events of the Battle of Hastings in 1066
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Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, is a figure deeply intertwined with the dramatic events of the Battle of Hastings in 1066. In "The Body of Harold brought before William the Conqueror, " an evocative painting from 1844-61, we witness the solemn moment when Harold's lifeless body is presented to his victorious adversary. The Battle of Hastings itself is captured in two captivating artworks: one from 1835 and another from 1890. Although their creators remain unknown, these depictions transport us back to that fateful day when Harold faced off against William's Norman army. The clash between these forces forever altered English history. Amidst this chaos and bloodshed, there were individuals who played significant roles alongside Harold. Edith Swannesha, also known as Edith the Fair, was a prominent figure during this time period. Her presence adds depth to our understanding of Harold's reign and personal life. Tragically, not all those who fought alongside King Harold survived. The Bayeux Tapestry poignantly portrays Gyrth and Leofwine falling on the battlefield - brothers who shared both loyalty and fate with their king. Another section depicts the Normans charging into battle against their English counterparts while yet another showcases their merciless slaughter of those loyal to King Harold. These scenes serve as reminders that power shifts can be brutal and unforgiving. Even before this pivotal battle took place, King Edward the Confessor lay on his deathbed - a moment immortalized in wool embroidery on linen by the Bayeux Tapestry. This event set into motion a chain reaction that ultimately led to Harold ascending to England's throne. Lastly, we witness through intricate needlework how defeat impacted King Harold's men as they turned in flight after his demise at Hastings' hands. Their retreat marked not only an end for them but also for Anglo-Saxon rule over England.