Harold Godwinson (1022-1066) was the last Anglo-Saxon King of England. He was the son of Godwin, Earl of Wessex, and he succeeded to the Earldom after Godwin's death in 1053. Harold was the leader of the anti-Norman party in England. He succeeded to the English throne on January 5, 1066, after the death of Edward the Confessor. He defeated an invasion by the Danish King Harald Hardrada on September 25, but died fighting William the Conquerer at the Battle of Hastings on October 14.