The legendary king’s residence was recently discovered in England. All thanks to the 11th century toilets.
Newcastle University has announced the discovery of Harold Godwinson (aka King Harold II) of Botham, a coastal village in West Sussex, England, according to a news release issued on January 28th. He was famously killed at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
His Bosham residence was depicted twice on a tapestry, but the remains of the residence were previously unknown. Harold was England’s last Anglo-Saxon king, and he was taken over by the Norman King William Conqueror.
Previously describing the lost site as a “power centre,” the university says it was where Harold had dined before Botham set sail to France.
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The location of the Bayou tapestry was excavated in the UK. (Getty Image)
“The tapestry culminates in Williams’ victory at Hastings, but the early days of Bosham of artwork are shown as a place where Harold enjoys the east feast in the luxurious hall before sailing for France. ” pointed out Newcastle University.
“The location of Harold’s residence in Botham has not been proven, but it is suggested that a village home — now private property — is standing on the scene.”
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In the scene in the Tapestry of the Bayou, Harold Godwinson (later Harold II) confesses to King Edward before sailing from Botham around 1064. The tapestry is housed in the town of Bayou in Normandy, France. (Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
By conducting geophysical surveys and analyzing maps and records, historians were able to gather new information about sites previously unearthed in 2006.
In particular, the presence of toilets within large timber buildings suggests that the entire building once belonged to a person of high status.
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“In the last decade or so, archaeologists have begun to recognize British trends beginning with the 10th century Gregorian calendar.
“The discovery of the toilets therefore demonstrates to the team that the timber building is in elite status and almost certainly represents part of Harold’s residence, depicted in the Bayou tapestry,” the statement added. “The hall was part of a wider complex and included the church.
Newcastle professor Dr. Duncan Wright said he is confident that the site is in fact Harold’s Bosham residence, according to the release.
Aerial view of the harbor of Botham in West Sussex, Botham, England (Chris Gorman/Getty Images)
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“The 2006 excavations effectively confirmed that an Anglo-Saxon executive had confirmed with us that the house was sitting at the site of an elite residence before Norman’s conquest,” Wright explained. “Looking at this important clue, along with all the other evidence, we have a location here for Harold Godwinson’s private power centre, which is well known in the Bayou tapestry. It surpasses all reasonable doubts.”
Professor Oliver Clayton, University of Exeter, who was involved in the project, repeated Wright’s feelings.
“Norman’s conquest saw the new ruling class replace the British nobles who were not in the way of physical relics.
Harold Godwinson, Count Wessex (later Harold II of England), is depicted in hawks on the bayou tapestry while riding his estate in Botham for hunting and sea fishing. (Universal History Archive/Getty Images)
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It is not uncommon for 11th century objects to be discovered in England today.
Archaeologists recently unearthed a 1,000-year-old treasure consisting of over 300 coins. The coin was issued between 1036 and 1044. This predates the Battle of Hastings 20 years ago.
