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Harold II swears fidelity to Duke William of Normandy, 1064 (1864)
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Harold II swears fidelity to Duke William of Normandy, 1064 (1864)
Harold II swears fidelity to Duke William of Normandy, 1064 (1864). Harold (c1020-1066) swearing an oath on sacred relics before William of Normandy (1028-1087) to support his claim to the English throne on the death of Edward the Confessor. Harolds failure to honour this oath led to William invading England in 1066 in pursuit of his claim. He defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings. Harold, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, was killed in the battle. From a private collection
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Media ID 15138681
© Historica Graphica Collection / Heritage-Images
11th Century Anglo Saxon Doyle Duke Duke Of Normandy Eleventh Century Harold Godwineson Harold Godwinson Harold Ii James Doyle James William Edmund James William Edmund Doyle King Harold Godwinson King Harold Ii King Of England King William I Norman Norman Conquest Oath Priest Relic Swearing William I William Of Normandy William The Conqueror Historica Graphica Collection
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a pivotal moment in history, depicting Harold II swearing fidelity to Duke William of Normandy in 1064. The image showcases the solemnity of the occasion, as Harold (c1020-1066) takes an oath on sacred relics before William (1028-1087), pledging his support for William's claim to the English throne upon the death of Edward the Confessor. Little did they know that this act would set in motion a chain of events that would forever change England. Harold's failure to honor this oath ultimately led to William invading England in 1066, determined to assert his rightful claim. The decisive Battle of Hastings ensued, where William emerged victorious and Harold met his tragic demise. As the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, Harold's fate was sealed by his broken promise. The photograph is rich with historical significance and offers a glimpse into both religious and political aspects of medieval Britain. It highlights not only the power dynamics between monarchs but also underscores the importance placed on oaths and sacred relics during that time. Preserved from a private collection, this lithograph by James Doyle transports us back to an era when kingdoms were won or lost through such solemn acts as depicted here. It serves as a reminder that even centuries later, these moments continue to captivate our imagination and shape our understanding of significant historical events like the Norman Conquest led by William I, also known as William the Conqueror.
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