King Harold - Abbey Church, Waltham Abbey, Essex, UK - Monarchs of the World on Waymarking.com

At the eastern end of the church, in the grounds, is a memorial (see photos) to Harold. Close by is an information table that reads:

Harold, the last Saxon King of England, was killed at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066. Duke William of Normandy refused Harold's mother permission to claim his body. It was later identified by Harold's mistress, Edith Swan-neck and brought back to Waltham. Having been cured of paralysis after praying here, Harold had extended the church and it became a favourite of his. In 1066, after he defeated the Vikings at the Battle of Stamford bridge near York, he diverted his march south to Hastings so that he could pray at Waltham for another victory.

Sources recount that King Harold's body was moved several times as the church was extended. There are various theories as to the exact location of his final resting place.

There are several parts of the present church which can be attributed to Harold including the stones set in a herringbone pattern in the east wall behind you. There are other features both inside and outside the church and more information can be found in the crypt.

Harold was crowned in 1066. His coronation and death were depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry which was embroidered by English women at a later date.

The Brit Royals website tells us about King Harold II:

Name: King Harold II
Born: c.1020
Parents: Godwin, Earl of Wessex, and Gytha of Denmark
Relation to Elizabeth II: husband of the 30th great-grandmother
House of: Wessex
Ascended to the throne: January 5, 1066
Crowned: January 6, 1066 at Westminster Abbey, aged c.43
Married: (1) Eadgyth (Swan-neck), Daughter of Earl of Mercia (2) Ealdyth widow of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn
Children: 1 or 2 sons and several illegitimate children
Died: October 14, 1066 at Senlac Abbey, Sussex, of wounds following the Battle of Hastings
Buried at: Pevensey reburied Waltham Abbey
Reigned for: 9 months, and 8 days
Succeeded by: Edgar the Aethling, and then Edward the Confessor's 2nd cousin William of Normandy

Last Anglo-Saxon king of England, January to October 1066. He was defeated and killed by William of Normandy (William the Conqueror) at the Battle of Hastings.

Harold succeeded his father Earl Godwine in 1053 as Earl of Wessex.. He had no bloodline to the throne but his sister Edith was married to King Edward the Confessor. In January 1066 when Edward died childless, the Witan (or Witenagemot a council of high-ranking religious and secular men) elected Harold to succeed him and one day later he was crowned King Harold II. William of Normandy claimed that he had been promised the throne by his relative Edward and that in 1063 Harold had sworn allegiance to support his claim. On hearing of Harold's coronation William prepared to invade England to claim the throne.

Meanwhile, Harold's brother Tostig who had quarrelled with Harold joined the king of Norway Harald Hardrada in invading Northumbria. Harold routed and killed them at Stamford Bridge, near York, on 25 September. Three days later William landed at Pevensey, Sussex, and Harold and his army marched quickly South to face him. The Battle of Hastings took place on 14 October 1066. Harold's army was defeated and he was killed in the battle.

The Witan elected 15 year-old Edgar the Aethling, a grandson of King Edmund II Ironside, as the next Anglo-Saxon King. However he was the uncrowned King for only a few weeks from 15 October to 10 December 1066 when William entered London and declared himself king. The Witan and Edgar were forced to submit to William of Normandy at Berkhamstead Castle in Hertfordshire.

Waymark Visitor - Must either

• Provide a photo at the Statue
• Answer a related question, if available, as posted on the Waymark description to the satistfaction of the Owner