A very happy New Year to all our readers. May 2019 be another year where we all help spread the word about our King Harold, the last Anglo Saxon King of England – frequently so sadly overlooked by those who seem to think English history began after October 1066.
KH 950
2016 is a hugely important year for us in Waltham Abbey. It’s the 950th Anniversary of all the important King Harold dates.
Many thanks to Isabelle Perrichon for creating the KH 950 logo.
Harold and William in animation
An animation of the Bayeux Tapestry, yes really! Many thanks to our Committee Member, Tony O’Connor, for finding it and passing it on to us.
It has been about since 2009 apparently, but we have only just heard of it.
The Animated Bayeux Tapestry was created as a student project while at Goldsmiths College. Just as the historic original embroidery does, the animation depicts the lead up to the Norman Invasion of England in 1066. It starts about halfway through the original work at the appearance of Halley’s Comet and ends at William’s victory at the Battle of Hastings. Marc Sylvan redid the soundtrack to include original music and sound effects.
Here’s the link to the video.
Animation by David Newton; Music and sound design by Marc Sylvan.
http://potionpictures.co.uk/
Harald Hardrada’s descendant is coming to Stamford Bridge
We have established strong links with the Battle of Stamford Bridge Society, (BOSBS), and indeed their Chris Rock came down to King Harold Day last October. Our photo shows the Battle of Stamford Bridge stall at King Harold Day 2012.
That battle, of course, took place on 25 September 1066, when King Harold II of England 
and his army defeated the army of King Harald Hardrada of Norway.
Now we learn that the BOSBS have a bit of a coup themselves this month as a descendant of King Harald Hardrada will be guest speaker at one of their meetings. This is what they say about it:-
“A REAL Viking comes to Stamford Bridge
Yes we are happy to have as guest speaker on 21st February 2013, a living descendant of King Harald Sigurdsson (Hardrada), Jarl Gunnar Olafsson. On Gunnar’s Facebook page he explains how in Iceland the family name traces the heritage of when and where they originate from; one tradition they still hold on to dearly, unlike other countries. The Icelandic groups are new to the re-enactment scene, although they do have lots of societies and history groups, but as far as putting on public shows it’s all new territory for them; in fact the head of the Vikings’ York group, the Volsung Vikings, recently went to Iceland to show them how to act and fight like a Viking….bizarre!
Just hope Gunnar has forgiven us for the death of his great ancestor here in 1066.”
King Harold is Crowned
Yesterday, 5 January, was the anniversary of the death of the long-reigning 
King, Edward the Confessor. His new Abbey at Westminster, although not completely finished, was sufficiently ready to be used for his funeral.
Today, 6 January, is the anniversary of the Coronation of his successor, King Harold II, the last Anglo Saxon King of England. Formerly Earl of East Anglia and Earl of Wessex, Harold Godwinesson was crowned in Westminster Abbey.
