The Saxon Era · The story of the Battle of Hastings
Harold the King
Harold the King was written because I was fed up with English history always starting at 1066. We have a rich and varied history before this date - and what we think we know about the Norman Conquest after the Battle of Hastings is mostly all Norman propaganda - to the winner the written account.
I wanted to explore the events that led to that most famous date, October 14th 1066, and that battle which changed the course of history. Who were the people, what made them do what they did, and why did they do it?
I am proud of my novel; it is my personal tribute to the last English King, Harold II, Harold Godwineson, the man, the King, who gave his life attempting to defend his kingdom from foreign invasion by a usurper who had no right, beyond his personal ambition, to the English throne. Harold was our legitimate, anointed King - the first English King to be crowned in Westminster Abbey, the last English King to die on the battlefield. He died for us.
Available in paperback.
“Local author Helen Hollick has achieved a miracle by making this reviewer sit still and silent for a whole weekend… a damn big one at that, sweeping from England to France, from Wessex to Normandy… Treachery, arrogance, lies and weakness contrast with courage, honesty, strength. We follow the cast from 1044 right up to the Battle of Hastings itself, which is brilliantly recreated.”
- SW Magazine, March 2001
“This re-telling of the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066 through the eyes of the men and women involved mixes together historical fact with plenty of personality.”
- Cliff Moore, Dorset Evening Echo
“Helen Hollick has it all! She tells a great story, and gets her history right.”
- Bernard Cornwell
“Helen Hollick's writing is very rich and lush. I'm very impressed.”
- Suzanne McLeod