2-370-196 - Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images

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. Harold's 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.