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Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King: Harold Godwinson, England's Golden Warrior
A reexamination of Harold Godwinson explores his life, reign, and legacy, challenging Norman propaganda and historical myths.
Harold Godwinson occupied his place in the chronicles for more than twenty years after bursting onto the political sphere when he was barely out of his teens. His role in English history has always been overshadowed by his failure to defend his crown and country against the might of William the Conqueror and his invaders. His demise at the hands of a Franco-Norman hit squad wrought the death knell of Anglo-Saxon rule. Reigning for just ten months, Harold's accomplishments as dux Anglorum, and later king of England, were undermined by the Norman propaganda that was waged against his memory, long after his grisly end in 1066.
But just who was this man, who some historians recall as one of England's greatest rulers? What were his origins? Is there any truth that he could trace his ancestry to the House of Wessex, and did he really usurp the throne from Duke William, the Bastard of Normandy? In this re-examining of this great historical figure of the eleventh century, we glean new theories and ideas not only about Harold's life, but also questions historians have pondered upon for years. Did Edward really offer the throne to William? And how much of William's claim was truth or fiction?
Paula Lofting presents a thoughtful and careful critique of the previous research. Examining his life through a telescopic view of the primary sources, she offers the reader a more accurate evaluation of who he was, how he died, and what happened to his remains after his death on a field near Hastings on October 1066.
Harold Godwinson occupied his place in the chronicles for more than twenty years after bursting onto the political sphere when he was barely out of his teens. His role in English history has always been overshadowed by his failure to defend his crown and country against the might of William the Conqueror and his invaders. His demise at the hands of a Franco-Norman hit squad wrought the death knell of Anglo-Saxon rule. Reigning for just ten months, Harold's accomplishments as dux Anglorum, and later king of England, were undermined by the Norman propaganda that was waged against his memory, long after his grisly end in 1066.
But just who was this man, who some historians recall as one of England's greatest rulers? What were his origins? Is there any truth that he could trace his ancestry to the House of Wessex, and did he really usurp the throne from Duke William, the Bastard of Normandy? In this re-examining of this great historical figure of the eleventh century, we glean new theories and ideas not only about Harold's life, but also questions historians have pondered upon for years. Did Edward really offer the throne to William? And how much of William's claim was truth or fiction?
Paula Lofting presents a thoughtful and careful critique of the previous research. Examining his life through a telescopic view of the primary sources, she offers the reader a more accurate evaluation of who he was, how he died, and what happened to his remains after his death on a field near Hastings on October 1066.
- GenresHistory
272 pages, Hardcover
First published February 28, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
May 23, 2025
It is hard to believe it has been just under twelve years since I first became enamored of author Paula Lofting’s historical fiction and, with it, the Anglo-Saxon era. I first read and reviewed Lofting’s
Sons of the Wolf
in June 2013 and later, during the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings in October 2016, her sequel,
The Wolf Banner
.
Today, I happily find myself again reviewing Lofting’s work in a delightedly new direction with the publication of her first work of non-fiction, Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King: Harold Godwinson – England’s Golden Warrior. Perhaps, given Lofting’s years of enthusiastic study and engagement with a historical re-enactment society, Regia Anglorum, she was always going to write a biography of King Harold II. Still, the much-anticipated arrival of the book only amped up my excitement, and I am triple-pleased to be digging into Harold’s world, via Lofting’s graceful talent, once more.
Not all authors transition well from fiction to non-fiction, the more so keeping their previously successful style intact, but this is not the case with Lofting. Her voice is recognizable here while simultaneously taking on a bit of the academic tone more suitable for non-fiction history. She is aware of her audience, however, which includes academics and non-specialist enthusiasts, and her approach is remarkably apt for both, especially given it is imbued with a storytelling flavor that hooks us from the very beginning.
The biography is divided into four parts “Origins and Bloodlines”; “Harold”; “Earl of Wessex”; and “King” and discusses Harold’s ancestry and moves forward through his life, career, and death at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. As the author states, “no Godwinson story can be told without the inclusion of Harold, and no story of Harold can be fully understood without a discussion of his family.” Therefore, her exhaustive study both reveals the depths of her research and shows us the seeds of Harold’s perspectives and the history that influenced him, both societal and familial.
Simultaneously, Lofting displays a real talent for bringing humanity to historical figures whom many modern readers (and non-readers) tend to perceive as almost blobbish in their distance from us. In fairness, nearly a thousand years does remove much understanding of where they were coming from, but in her study, Lofting helps us bridge the difference and see them as people like us, rather than just “historical.” They cared about family members, carried memories, held grudges and nursed jealousies, experienced fatigue, made poor decisions. In the case of Godwin, Harold’s father, Lofting relates to us his quite extraordinary seafaring background, how he came to it, and where it took him. Within all that, she studies individual moments in Godwin’s youth and adulthood, reflecting on personal considerations that may have played a role in them – indeed, even a role in decisions he made years and decades after these moments. As a reader, I gained such a greater appreciation for Godwin than I ever actually even considered I might. As a lover of the sea, I confess my bias for the sea-lord status Godwin grew, but truly I gathered a more authentic understanding of his experiences, the work he put in, the trials he underwent, and his personality began to take greater shape.
And that is just Godwin! Lofting brings other family members to life as well, including Harold’s often-unlikeable brothers Swegn and Tostig. These two were most assuredly challenging siblings, and it is a testament to Lofting’s ability to piece events together, while remaining objective, that we stop to consider various angles in all of this – very human angles. For example, she examines circumstances and possible perspectives involving Swegn and Godwin, “for whom the sun shone out of Swegn’s backside”; Gytha, the boys’ mother; and others as we bear witness over time to Swegn’s outright criminal behavior that set him tragically apart and may have earned him the unflattering epithet of “a gulping monster.” As it happens, Swegn later appeared to be ashamed of his own behavior and made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in search of absolution. He died on the return trip – possibly murdered. Tostig’s end was not much better – he was killed in battle against Harold in September 1066 – and while none of Lofting’s accounts are emotional or sentimental, she does indeed bring the humanity to their persons, and we see them better for the individuals they were, with motivations and perspectives of their own and the will to stand up for them. We can ruminate on the tragedies of their deaths and that they both died with such division between each of them and other family members, and even if we disagree with their actions, we are given a clearer vision of them as people and not merely as distant medieval bad guys. And for better or worse, I felt some ache in my heart for both Swegn and Tostig.
Harold’s own story, which grows in the midst of all of these and other events, takes us through the years as he comes face to face with immense challenges, such as a serious illness, treacherous court politics, even exile. Lofting discusses how Harold balanced alliances and rivalries, showcasing his strategic brilliance and even very real possibilities regarding his vexation when dealing with some of them, such as the consideration referenced above regarding Godwin’s flawed ability to see Swegn’s behavior for what it was, speaking to Harold’s frustration with continued reprieves that benefited Swegn but no one else. Of course, it is also true that no Harold Godwinson story would be the same without an examination of that fateful trip to Normandy, and Lofting covers this brilliantly, objectively, calling out the absurd, asking questions that don’t always have clear answers, and pointing to possibilities that, because particular information is lacking or missing, must remain conjecture. This remains true to the end, with a deep look into Harold’s short reign as well as his death and last resting place.
It must be stated as well that Lofting achieves this with confidence and the solid backing of her resources, all while maintaining a marvelous sense of humor for those of us who can sometimes become a bit lost in tenth and eleventh century place and personal names, not to mention where in (mainly) England, Wales, and Normandy we zip to and from, and the alliances within which we become embroiled:
"But Eadric and his brothers were the sons of Æthelric and not the aforementioned Æthelweard the Historian, said to be the patriarch of the previous Æthelmӕr Cild, whose pedigree can be traced back to former kings of Wessex. Confused? There is more to come."
and
"Edmund’s ally and brother-in-law, Uhtrӕd, was deceitfully killed, surprise, surprise, through the engineering of Eadric Streona, now thoroughly embedded in Cnut’s camp. Another severe loss for Edmund."
and
"John of Worcester states that Edmund was keen to continue the fight, but the councillors, which included Streona (of all the nerve), urged Edmund to seek peace with his rival."
As I read through Harold’s biography, I clearly recognized the author’s remarkable skill in presenting the visceral, the vivid details of Harold’s and others’ events. His angry hissing when he learned, while returning from the Battle of Stamford Bridge, that William had landed at Pevensey and yet another fight was in front of him. His worry for his family. Frustration with Norman propaganda that tarred him before he even joined the battle (it continues to this day, I might add). My thoughts often returned to her efforts with Regia Anglorum that grew her own expertise, such as with the weight of armor on a hot afternoon, informing her ability to describe it in vivid detail. Her chronicle of Harold’s life is both triumphant and heartbreaking in its complexity and nuance, and her flair for storytelling in a manner that appeals to a very broad audience will draw new readers while reminding existing ones why we come back to her again and again. History tends to remember King Harold Godwinson for his defeat, but Paula Lofting shows us, once more, why he is so much more than an end – he was a king who fought valiantly to protect his people, and that spirit stayed with them, even after he was no more.
It is no exaggeration to say that Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King reminded me why I fell in love with Paula Lofting’s writing twelve years ago. She makes the Anglo-Saxon era come alive, and the people speak to me in a way I could never forget. I cannot recommend this biography of King Harold Godwinson highly enough, whether readers are professional historians, devoted history buffs, or even mildly curious as to our past.
Many thanks to the author for sending me an ARC!
Today, I happily find myself again reviewing Lofting’s work in a delightedly new direction with the publication of her first work of non-fiction, Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King: Harold Godwinson – England’s Golden Warrior. Perhaps, given Lofting’s years of enthusiastic study and engagement with a historical re-enactment society, Regia Anglorum, she was always going to write a biography of King Harold II. Still, the much-anticipated arrival of the book only amped up my excitement, and I am triple-pleased to be digging into Harold’s world, via Lofting’s graceful talent, once more.
Not all authors transition well from fiction to non-fiction, the more so keeping their previously successful style intact, but this is not the case with Lofting. Her voice is recognizable here while simultaneously taking on a bit of the academic tone more suitable for non-fiction history. She is aware of her audience, however, which includes academics and non-specialist enthusiasts, and her approach is remarkably apt for both, especially given it is imbued with a storytelling flavor that hooks us from the very beginning.
The biography is divided into four parts “Origins and Bloodlines”; “Harold”; “Earl of Wessex”; and “King” and discusses Harold’s ancestry and moves forward through his life, career, and death at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. As the author states, “no Godwinson story can be told without the inclusion of Harold, and no story of Harold can be fully understood without a discussion of his family.” Therefore, her exhaustive study both reveals the depths of her research and shows us the seeds of Harold’s perspectives and the history that influenced him, both societal and familial.
Simultaneously, Lofting displays a real talent for bringing humanity to historical figures whom many modern readers (and non-readers) tend to perceive as almost blobbish in their distance from us. In fairness, nearly a thousand years does remove much understanding of where they were coming from, but in her study, Lofting helps us bridge the difference and see them as people like us, rather than just “historical.” They cared about family members, carried memories, held grudges and nursed jealousies, experienced fatigue, made poor decisions. In the case of Godwin, Harold’s father, Lofting relates to us his quite extraordinary seafaring background, how he came to it, and where it took him. Within all that, she studies individual moments in Godwin’s youth and adulthood, reflecting on personal considerations that may have played a role in them – indeed, even a role in decisions he made years and decades after these moments. As a reader, I gained such a greater appreciation for Godwin than I ever actually even considered I might. As a lover of the sea, I confess my bias for the sea-lord status Godwin grew, but truly I gathered a more authentic understanding of his experiences, the work he put in, the trials he underwent, and his personality began to take greater shape.
And that is just Godwin! Lofting brings other family members to life as well, including Harold’s often-unlikeable brothers Swegn and Tostig. These two were most assuredly challenging siblings, and it is a testament to Lofting’s ability to piece events together, while remaining objective, that we stop to consider various angles in all of this – very human angles. For example, she examines circumstances and possible perspectives involving Swegn and Godwin, “for whom the sun shone out of Swegn’s backside”; Gytha, the boys’ mother; and others as we bear witness over time to Swegn’s outright criminal behavior that set him tragically apart and may have earned him the unflattering epithet of “a gulping monster.” As it happens, Swegn later appeared to be ashamed of his own behavior and made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in search of absolution. He died on the return trip – possibly murdered. Tostig’s end was not much better – he was killed in battle against Harold in September 1066 – and while none of Lofting’s accounts are emotional or sentimental, she does indeed bring the humanity to their persons, and we see them better for the individuals they were, with motivations and perspectives of their own and the will to stand up for them. We can ruminate on the tragedies of their deaths and that they both died with such division between each of them and other family members, and even if we disagree with their actions, we are given a clearer vision of them as people and not merely as distant medieval bad guys. And for better or worse, I felt some ache in my heart for both Swegn and Tostig.
Harold’s own story, which grows in the midst of all of these and other events, takes us through the years as he comes face to face with immense challenges, such as a serious illness, treacherous court politics, even exile. Lofting discusses how Harold balanced alliances and rivalries, showcasing his strategic brilliance and even very real possibilities regarding his vexation when dealing with some of them, such as the consideration referenced above regarding Godwin’s flawed ability to see Swegn’s behavior for what it was, speaking to Harold’s frustration with continued reprieves that benefited Swegn but no one else. Of course, it is also true that no Harold Godwinson story would be the same without an examination of that fateful trip to Normandy, and Lofting covers this brilliantly, objectively, calling out the absurd, asking questions that don’t always have clear answers, and pointing to possibilities that, because particular information is lacking or missing, must remain conjecture. This remains true to the end, with a deep look into Harold’s short reign as well as his death and last resting place.
It must be stated as well that Lofting achieves this with confidence and the solid backing of her resources, all while maintaining a marvelous sense of humor for those of us who can sometimes become a bit lost in tenth and eleventh century place and personal names, not to mention where in (mainly) England, Wales, and Normandy we zip to and from, and the alliances within which we become embroiled:
"But Eadric and his brothers were the sons of Æthelric and not the aforementioned Æthelweard the Historian, said to be the patriarch of the previous Æthelmӕr Cild, whose pedigree can be traced back to former kings of Wessex. Confused? There is more to come."
and
"Edmund’s ally and brother-in-law, Uhtrӕd, was deceitfully killed, surprise, surprise, through the engineering of Eadric Streona, now thoroughly embedded in Cnut’s camp. Another severe loss for Edmund."
and
"John of Worcester states that Edmund was keen to continue the fight, but the councillors, which included Streona (of all the nerve), urged Edmund to seek peace with his rival."
As I read through Harold’s biography, I clearly recognized the author’s remarkable skill in presenting the visceral, the vivid details of Harold’s and others’ events. His angry hissing when he learned, while returning from the Battle of Stamford Bridge, that William had landed at Pevensey and yet another fight was in front of him. His worry for his family. Frustration with Norman propaganda that tarred him before he even joined the battle (it continues to this day, I might add). My thoughts often returned to her efforts with Regia Anglorum that grew her own expertise, such as with the weight of armor on a hot afternoon, informing her ability to describe it in vivid detail. Her chronicle of Harold’s life is both triumphant and heartbreaking in its complexity and nuance, and her flair for storytelling in a manner that appeals to a very broad audience will draw new readers while reminding existing ones why we come back to her again and again. History tends to remember King Harold Godwinson for his defeat, but Paula Lofting shows us, once more, why he is so much more than an end – he was a king who fought valiantly to protect his people, and that spirit stayed with them, even after he was no more.
It is no exaggeration to say that Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King reminded me why I fell in love with Paula Lofting’s writing twelve years ago. She makes the Anglo-Saxon era come alive, and the people speak to me in a way I could never forget. I cannot recommend this biography of King Harold Godwinson highly enough, whether readers are professional historians, devoted history buffs, or even mildly curious as to our past.
Many thanks to the author for sending me an ARC!
February 10, 2025
We all know the story of William the Conqueror and the Norman Conquest. William claimed he was the heir of Edward the Confessor instead of his rival Harold Godwinson. Harold was seen as a villain throughout history thanks to the Norman sources, but what was the historical Harold Godwinson like? Was he a malicious usurper who had to die at the Battle of Hastings for the rightful King William I to take the throne or is there more to his story than his death? Paula Lofting scoured the archives to find the truth about this maligned man in her book, “Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King: Harold Godwinson, England’s Golden Warrior.”
I want to thank Paula Lofting and Pen and Sword Books for sending me a copy of this book. I will be honest I am not super familiar with the life of Harold Godwinson other than his role in the Battle of Hastings and from the book “The House of Godwin” by Michael John Key. It’s been a while since I dived into the story of the Godwin family and the Norman Conquest, so I was hoping to learn something new about Harold Godwinson.
Harold Godwinson was King of England for only nine months and nine days, but he left quite an impact. What makes him an interesting character is how he rose to the position of power to become a king. It all had to do with his family connections. Lofting lays out the origins of the Godwins, especially Harold’s father Earl Godwin. What makes the Godwin family is that Harold’s father Godwin and his brother Tostig would end up in exile or an enemy to the crown numerous times and yet it was Harold, his brother-in-law, who Edward chose to succeed him due to his loyalty and his strengths.
Then, in walks William Duke of Normandy, the illegitimate son of Robert Duke of Normandy, who not only became the new Duke of Normandy but desired the crown of England. Well, the only thing Harold could do was defend England from this invasion. Lofting goes into great detail about the multiple battles that were fought the most famous one, the Battle of Hastings, where King Harold died. She also goes into detail about the theories about where Harold Godwinson might have been buried after the battle.
As someone who is a relative novice to this subject, I found myself getting lost while reading the first half of this book which detailed the origins of the family and the drama that led Harold to the throne. It was very detailed and a real challenge for me to follow along. Once we hit the introduction of Duke William and Harold’s path to the throne, it became a better read for me. I think if you are interested in the Anglo-Saxon world, the Godwins, and the Battle of Hastings, I would recommend you read, “Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King: Harold Godwinson, England’s Golden Warrior” by Paula Lofting.
I want to thank Paula Lofting and Pen and Sword Books for sending me a copy of this book. I will be honest I am not super familiar with the life of Harold Godwinson other than his role in the Battle of Hastings and from the book “The House of Godwin” by Michael John Key. It’s been a while since I dived into the story of the Godwin family and the Norman Conquest, so I was hoping to learn something new about Harold Godwinson.
Harold Godwinson was King of England for only nine months and nine days, but he left quite an impact. What makes him an interesting character is how he rose to the position of power to become a king. It all had to do with his family connections. Lofting lays out the origins of the Godwins, especially Harold’s father Earl Godwin. What makes the Godwin family is that Harold’s father Godwin and his brother Tostig would end up in exile or an enemy to the crown numerous times and yet it was Harold, his brother-in-law, who Edward chose to succeed him due to his loyalty and his strengths.
Then, in walks William Duke of Normandy, the illegitimate son of Robert Duke of Normandy, who not only became the new Duke of Normandy but desired the crown of England. Well, the only thing Harold could do was defend England from this invasion. Lofting goes into great detail about the multiple battles that were fought the most famous one, the Battle of Hastings, where King Harold died. She also goes into detail about the theories about where Harold Godwinson might have been buried after the battle.
As someone who is a relative novice to this subject, I found myself getting lost while reading the first half of this book which detailed the origins of the family and the drama that led Harold to the throne. It was very detailed and a real challenge for me to follow along. Once we hit the introduction of Duke William and Harold’s path to the throne, it became a better read for me. I think if you are interested in the Anglo-Saxon world, the Godwins, and the Battle of Hastings, I would recommend you read, “Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King: Harold Godwinson, England’s Golden Warrior” by Paula Lofting.
May 19, 2025
Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King by Paula Lofting has the subtitle Harold Godwinson- England’s Golden Warrior. That probably gives a clue as to Ms Lofting’s overall view of her subject, but that doesn’t mean this isn’t a well-researched historical biography which looks at Harold from all angles. It is. The author has managed to combine some impressive research with a well-told story about a somewhat neglected historical character.
Paula Lofting has previously been known as a novelist, having published two books in a series set in Anglo-Saxon England during the years leading up to the Battle of Hastings. Presumably this led to her first foray into historical biography. There is something of a novelist’s colloquial style in this book, which makes it entertaining and easy to read.
Ms Lofting handles her research very well, giving a straightforward account of the sources available for this period and the biases of the various chronicles. She presents the different arguments in an even-handed manner but isn’t afraid to give her own opinion about the most likely course of events while acknowledging the historical uncertainty.
The book is detailed, but broken down not only into chapters but also into sub headings. I found this surprising at first but it actually makes light work of some of the more dense chapters about Harold’s family background.
Above all, this is a fascinating and entertaining account of the last Anglo-Saxon king which presents him as a leader, a family man and a man of his time. I suspect Harold is one of those historical characters that many people have heard of but few know much about. Ms Lofting’s Harold Godwinson is so much more than the man who died at the Battle of Hastings and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It may be her first journey into historical biography but I hope it is not her last.
October 6, 2025
Paula Lofting’s Searching for the Last Anglo-Saxon King is a deeply researched and wonderfully engaging portrait of Harold Godwinson, the man too often overshadowed by the Norman version of 1066. Lofting peels back layers of myth to reveal a more balanced and human picture of England’s last Anglo-Saxon ruler.
What I especially appreciated is how she blends academic precision with a storyteller’s touch. The structure is clear and thoughtful, guiding readers through complex family ties and shifting alliances without ever feeling lost. Her background in historical fiction and her practical experience with Regia Anglorum give her descriptions a rare authenticity—you can almost feel the weight of armour or the tension in a royal council.
The early chapters on genealogy may feel dense to some, but once Harold steps into the spotlight, the narrative flows with energy and purpose. Lofting tackles long-debated questions—Harold’s lineage, Edward’s supposed promise to William, even the mystery of his burial—with calm, evidence-based clarity.
In the end, this is a fine and much-needed reappraisal of Harold’s life and legacy. It’s an illuminating, human account that restores dignity and depth to one of England’s most misunderstood kings. Highly recommended for anyone drawn to medieval history or the turbulent world of 11th-century England.
See the Full Review at: https://historymedieval.com/searching...
What I especially appreciated is how she blends academic precision with a storyteller’s touch. The structure is clear and thoughtful, guiding readers through complex family ties and shifting alliances without ever feeling lost. Her background in historical fiction and her practical experience with Regia Anglorum give her descriptions a rare authenticity—you can almost feel the weight of armour or the tension in a royal council.
The early chapters on genealogy may feel dense to some, but once Harold steps into the spotlight, the narrative flows with energy and purpose. Lofting tackles long-debated questions—Harold’s lineage, Edward’s supposed promise to William, even the mystery of his burial—with calm, evidence-based clarity.
In the end, this is a fine and much-needed reappraisal of Harold’s life and legacy. It’s an illuminating, human account that restores dignity and depth to one of England’s most misunderstood kings. Highly recommended for anyone drawn to medieval history or the turbulent world of 11th-century England.
See the Full Review at: https://historymedieval.com/searching...
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews