Bayeux Tapestry

Bosham Magazine online
 

Bosham, the Bayeux Tapestry & Saxon Kings of England

 

bosham bayeux tapestry 1

bosham bayeux tapestry 2

©1067 Matilda R
 

Earl Godwin of Wessex, the father of King Harold II lived in Bosham, as did Harold himself. Earl Godwin was the real power in the country and he ruthlessly murdered anyone who had claim to the throne. He had ruled the country for his son-in-law, Edward the Confessor, who lived as a monk and had no children. Harold then became the 2nd Earl Godwin, Earl of Wessex and Lord of the Manor of Bosham.

Harold went to mass at Bosham in 1064 (as depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry above) prior to leaving Bosham and meeting William of Normandy. It was at this meeting that Harold told William he would be claiming the throne of England for himself. Understandably William did not take kindly to this and thus the battle of Hastings in 1066.

In the Tapestry Harold is shown having a feast in the manor house followed by a blessing service in the church, before setting out in his long boat for Normandy. Harold kept his fleet in Bosham and the vessels were almost certainly built here too. Shipbuilding had long been an important local industry until comparatively recently.

Saxon Kings of England

Saxon Kings of England
 


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