You may know King Harold II for one thing: losing the Battle of Hastings in 1066. But is this Harold's whole story?
In 2023, a remarkable coin hoard was discovered in Yorkshire, England, that shows Harold in a different light.
This is the first recorded hoard of coins which can definitely be dated to the year 1066. Containing only coins struck during Harold’s brief reign of 282 days, the hoard reveals a king whose authority was recognised across England, and whose government could produce new coins with great speed.
Join Elina Screen, Curator of Medieval and Modern Coin Collections at the British Museum, to find out what this discovery tells us about this king and one of the most famous years in English history.
The British Museum hopes to acquire the York Area hoard. We are very grateful to all the members, patrons and members of the public who have donated to our appeal. The hoard is currently on display in the central case in Gallery 68 until July 2027.
Chapters:
00:00 England's most famous loser?
00:33 England in 1066
01:35 Harold Godwinson's short and eventful reign
03:25 The York Area Hoard
04:28 Who owned the coins?
06:08 Mints and moneyers
08:56 The French coinage system
10:04 Harold's public image
12:10 William the Conqueror coin
13:26 Harold II: a neglected character
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