Harold's oath of fealty to Duke William of Normandy

Allegedly after being shipwrecked on the French coast in 1064 (a date highly disputed amongst historians), The Bayeux Tapestry, and other Norman sources, record that Harold swore an oath on sacred relics to Duke William of Normandy to support his (William's) claim to the English throne. After the death of King Edward the Confessor, the Normans were quick to point out that in accepting the crown of England, Harold had broken this alleged oath. He makes his pledge in the presence of Bishop Odo, Adeliza, Matilda, Haco and Wolnoth. Engraving from the book The Story of the Norman Conquest, published in 1866 on the 800th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings

1054 Bones Caskets Concealed Fealty Fidelity Harolds Matilda Oath Presence Promise Promising Relics Swear Swears Sworn

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