Harold

Harold, name of two kings of England. Harold I (d. 1040), called Harefoot, ruled England 1035–40. He was the illegitimate son of King Canute, Danish king and ruler of England, whose legitimate son Hardecanute succeeded Harold. Harold's reign was characterized by violent struggles with other royal claimants. Harold II (1022?–66), last Anglo-Saxon king of England ruled in 1066. As Earl of Wessex (1053), he was one of the most powerful men in England. When King Edward the Confessor died in 1066, both Harold and Duke William of Normandy claimed the throne. The English nobility supported Harold's claim, and William invaded England. Harold was killed fighting William's forces in the Battle of Hastings.

See also: England.