Godwin's Remains

It has been suggested recently, by historian John Pollock, that the bones in the second coffin are not the remains of Earl Godwine, but are in fact the remains of King Harold.

This suggestion is based on the examination of the corpse as compared with the details of Harold's death as described by Guy, Bishop of Amiens.

"With the point of his lance the first (William) pierced Harold's shield and then penetrated his chest, drenching the ground with his blood, which poured out in torrents. With his sword the second (Eustace) cut off his head, just below where his helmet protected him. The third (Hugh) disemboweled him with his javelin. The fourth (Walter Giffard) hacked off his leg at the thigh and hurled it far away. Struck down in this way, the dead body lay on the ground."

The bones found in the second coffin did show extensive mutilation, and indeed, the left thigh was fractured and the head was missing.

See also

Harold's resting Place

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