# Harold Godwinson is crowned king (1066)

URL: https://english-history.com/timeline/1066-harold-godwinson-is-crowned-king
Categories: ruler-change

Harold was chosen and crowned king soon after Edward's death. Within the broader Vikings & Unification period, Scandinavian invasion and settlement transformed the political map while Wessex and its allies built the institutions of a unified English kingdom. This event is placed at 6 January 1066 in the chronology so it can be read alongside the political, military, social and cultural changes around it. His accession was challenged by William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada.

## Why it matters
His accession was challenged by William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada.

Ruler at the time: [William I](https://english-history.com/rulers/william-i)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — Harold Godwinson is crowned king](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=Harold+Godwinson+is+crowned+king&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — Harold Godwinson is crowned king](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Harold+Godwinson+is+crowned+king)
- [Wikipedia — Timeline of British history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_British_history_%281000%E2%80%931499%29)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica — Viking Britain topic search](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=Viking%20Britain)