Why did William of Normandy and Harold godwinson go to battle?

Answer 1

he didnt William and harald Hadraada invaded

New answer: According to the interpretation of the Tapestry of Bayeux, Harald was was sent by Edward, King of England, to go to Normandy, presumably to tell William, Duke of Normandy, that England would be his i.e. William's. Harald shipwrecked during his crossing of the channel and William had to rescue him from a rival. William then asked Harald to swear an oath that William would become King at the death of Edward. Harald was then repatriated to his homeland, but reneged on his oath when Edward died. Harald claimed himself King infuriating William. William then took what he believed was rightfully his by invading England. Near Hastings in 1066, Williams Norma ns defeated Haralds Anglo-Saxons. Harald died after being hit with an arrow in his eye. Thus England fell under Norman control and the course of history was changed.

Answer 2

William and Harold went to battle over the throne of England. William was good friends with Harold because Harold swore an oath to him saying that he would support William into becoming king. Though soome argue that they were not good friends at all and that William had kept some of Harold's family hostage and forced him into swearing the oath, to secure their safety. A picture in the Bayeax tapestry show that Harold is just touching one sacred box( may contain a bible inside) whereas his other hand is touching the other box firmly. This shows that Harold is not wanting to swear the oath. Harold broke the oath by claiming the throne, in those days though the king was chosen by the elders of the Witan. Also rumours suggest that Edward handed the kingdom to Harold in his dieing moments. Though the French claim that Edward when he was very much alive promised William the kingdom after he was dead and had asked Harold to go and tell William his wishes. But according to records edward had promised the throne to more than one person. So The Battle of Hastings was for the throne of England and against the fact thay mabye Harold broke an oath to William and William fought for revenge.

Answer 3

Harold godwinson never became king. William, duke of Normandy won at the battle of Hastings. He had long and short term problems he had to sort out before he became king.

Answer 4

Nobody knows. Actually, nobody knows if it's even true that Harold Godwinson promised that, there is no evidence.