In a groundbreaking revelation, a team of archaeologists from Newcastle University and the University of Exeter has uncovered compelling evidence suggesting that a house in Bosham, West Sussex, was once the residence of Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon King of England. This discovery, stemming from a combination of innovative excavation techniques and re-evaluated evidence, provides new insight into the power centers of medieval England, with significant implications for understanding the period before the Norman Conquest of 1066.
The Connection to the Bayeux Tapestry
The site of Bosham is famously depicted twice in the Bayeux Tapestry, a detailed and artistic depiction of the Norman Conquest of England. The tapestry chronicles the dramatic rise and fall of Harold Godwinson, who, after being crowned king of England, faced off against William, Duke of Normandy, in the infamous Battle of Hastings.
Bosham appears in two key scenes of the tapestry: the first shows Harold feasting in an extravagant hall before sailing to France, and the second shows his return from the continent. These depictions have long fueled speculation about the possible location of Harold’s residence in the area. However, until now, the exact location of Harold’s house in Bosham has remained uncertain.
Rediscovering the Power Center at Bosham
Archaeologists involved in the recent study sought to address this long-standing mystery by reinterpreting previous excavation data and conducting fresh surveys of the area. The team used a combination of techniques, including geophysical surveys of the land surrounding the property, the examination of historical maps, and a re-assessment of evidence from earlier excavations. A critical part of the work focused on re-examining findings from 2006, when West Sussex Archaeology conducted a dig at the site and uncovered important clues.
The results of these efforts have led the researchers to conclude that the site at Bosham was indeed the location of a significant Anglo-Saxon elite residence—likely associated with Harold Godwinson himself. In fact, two previously unidentified Medieval buildings were found during the investigation: one within the current house and another in the garden area. These structures were key pieces of evidence in identifying the site as Harold’s residence, marking it as an important power center in pre-Norman England.
Clues in the Excavation
One of the most crucial pieces of evidence comes from the 2006 excavations, where a latrine was found within a large timber building. This discovery might initially seem unremarkable, but archaeologists have noted a significant trend in Anglo-Saxon England: by the 10th century AD, high-status residences often included integrated toilets. The presence of a latrine inside the timber structure strongly suggests that the building was of high status, likely belonging to an elite individual—further supporting the idea that this was indeed part of Harold Godwinson’s residence.
Dr. Duncan Wright, Senior Lecturer in Medieval Archaeology at Newcastle University, explained the significance of this find: “The realization that the 2006 excavations had found, in effect, an Anglo-Saxon en-suite confirmed to us that this house sits on the site of an elite residence pre-dating the Norman Conquest.” According to Dr. Wright, when combined with other evidence from the surveys and earlier research, it is “beyond all reasonable doubt” that the site was Harold Godwinson’s private power center.
Furthermore, the discovery of a church associated with the complex strengthens the identification of the site as an important aristocratic center. The church, which still stands today, provides additional confirmation that this was a place of political and religious significance—likely the residence of one of the most powerful men in Anglo-Saxon England.
The Importance of the Discovery
This discovery at Bosham is incredibly significant for several reasons. First, it offers tangible, archaeological evidence of Harold Godwinson’s residence—an aspect of English history that has previously been based on speculative interpretation and limited textual references. For centuries, scholars have debated the precise location of Harold’s house at Bosham, and now, thanks to modern archaeological methods, it appears they have found it.
Second, this finding helps shed light on the broader context of elite Anglo-Saxon residences, providing crucial insights into the lives of the Anglo-Saxon aristocracy before the upheaval of the Norman Conquest. The discovery of an elite “show-home”—as Professor Oliver Creighton of the University of Exeter put it—offers a rare glimpse into the material culture of the Anglo-Saxon elite.
“The Norman Conquest saw a new ruling class supplant an English aristocracy that has left little in the way of physical remains,” Professor Creighton explained. “This makes the discovery at Bosham hugely significant—we have found an Anglo-Saxon show-home.”
The “Where Power Lies” Project
The research at Bosham was conducted as part of the larger “Where Power Lies” project, which aims to explore the origins and development of aristocratic centers across England. The project is the first comprehensive attempt to study and document these types of sites across the entire country, assessing the archaeological evidence for the origins of Anglo-Saxon power centers.
By studying these sites, the team hopes to better understand the rise of the Anglo-Saxon elite, their political structures, and the material culture that defined their homes and lives. The project also seeks to explore the effects of the Norman Conquest, which radically transformed the political landscape of England in the 11th century. For the team at Newcastle University and the University of Exeter, Bosham represents a key piece of this puzzle, offering both a direct link to Harold Godwinson and a broader understanding of the political dynamics of the time.
A Window into Anglo-Saxon Life
What makes the Bosham discovery especially fascinating is its potential to help historians and archaeologists better understand how the Anglo-Saxon nobility lived before the catastrophic events of 1066. The findings at Bosham suggest that, far from being a simple fishing village, the site was a thriving center of Anglo-Saxon power, complete with monumental buildings, luxurious fixtures, and religious institutions—reflecting the importance of Harold Godwinson as a ruler and his command over his lands.
This discovery gives us new clues about the material culture of the period and the ways in which elites built their homes and fortified their positions of power. The integration of personal and civic space, represented by the combination of a grand hall and the church, hints at a sophisticated understanding of power—one that fused both worldly and spiritual authority. It is a rare glimpse into a world that was forever altered by the arrival of the Normans.
Future Research and Continued Excavations
While the discovery at Bosham is a monumental step forward in understanding the pre-Conquest landscape of England, the research is far from over. The team at Newcastle and Exeter will continue to investigate the site, analyzing the artifacts and remains uncovered during their excavations. Future work may reveal even more about the lives of the Anglo-Saxon elite and offer further insights into the world of Harold Godwinson.
In the coming years, the Bosham site will likely become a focal point for historians and archaeologists working to understand the profound changes that occurred in England during the 11th century. The evidence at Bosham will undoubtedly continue to shed light on the Anglo-Saxon period, its people, and its complex power dynamics, even as it connects the modern world with the turbulent history of 1066.
Conclusion
The discovery of Harold Godwinson’s residence at Bosham marks an exciting and important moment in the field of archaeology. It not only deepens our understanding of Anglo-Saxon society and the physical legacy of its aristocracy, but it also connects us to one of the most pivotal figures in English history. As research continues, Bosham promises to be a key site in uncovering the truths of the past and offering us a deeper appreciation for the rich history of England before the Norman Conquest.
Reference: David Gould et al, Where power lies: Lordly power centres in the English landscape c. 800–1200, The Antiquaries Journal (2025). DOI: 10.1017/S0003581524000350