In 1065 Edward the Confessor became very ill. Harold Godwinson claimed that Edward promised him the throne just before he died on 5th January, 1066. The next day there was a meeting of the Witan to decide who would become the next king of England. The Witan considered the merits of four main candidates: Harold Godwinson, Edgar Etheling, Harald Hardrada and William, Duke of Normandy.

In 1065 On 6th January 1066, the Witan decided that Harold Godwinson was to be the next king of England. The main opposition to Harold came from two brothers, Edwin, Earl of Mercia and Morcar, Earl of Northumbria. To gain their support, Harold married their sister Edith.

King Harold was fully aware that Harald Hardrada of Norway and William of Normandy would probably try to take the throne from him. He believed that the Normans posed the main danger and he positioned his troops on the south coast of England.

Harold's soldiers were made up of housecarls and the fyrd. Housecarls were well-trained, full-time soldiers who were paid for their services but the fyrd were working men who were called up to fight for the king in times of danger.