Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

In 1064 Harold Godwinsson set sail for Normandy from Bosham in Sussex. His ship was blown off course and he landed near the mouth of the Somme in the territory of Guy of Ponthieu. Guy accorded Harold no respect at all and threw him into prison. The nature of Harold's mission is disputed, but many chroniclers assert that he was on his way to assure William the Bastard Duke of Normandy, of his being recognised as successor to the English throne. As Guy was under some obligation to William, the unfortunate Harold was yielded up to the Duke of Normandy who treated him with every respect. It was in these circumstances that Harold is alleged to have sworn an oath to maintain William's claim to the throne and to have given him his oath of fealty.

See also: Chroniclers; Harold Godwinsson; William the Bastard

Related Reading:

• Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition) - The Fall of Saxon England
  (Campaign 13 )