Harold was shipwrecked in Normandy in 1064

Early in the summer of 1064, Harold Godwinson traveled to Normandy on behalf of King Edward in order to deliver an unidentified message to William of Normandy. On his way to France, Harold got into trouble at sea and ended up on the Normandy coast. Harold was sent by Edward to Normandy to confirm Duke William as the king's heir, according to historical Norman sources, particularly the Bayeux Tapestry. Guy I of Ponthieu, one of William's vassals, shipwrecked Harold while he was traveling and took him, prisoner.

What transpired on this journey is a subject of intense historical controversy. When Edward the Confessor, who was towards the end of his life and childless, passed away, William, Duke of Normandy argued that Harold had made an oath on sacred relics that he would back William's claim to the throne.

On the Normandy shore in 1064, Harold was shipwrecked. Harold is thought to have been coerced into taking an oath by William, Duke of Normandy, who wanted to prove his claim that he should succeed the childless Edward. However, other historians think the Normans made up this tale to support their invasion of England.