Archaeologists have uncovered evidence that a house in Bosham, West Sussex, was once the residence of Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon King of England.
The site appears in the famous Bayeux Tapestry, which tells the story of the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
A team from Newcastle University and the University of Exeter made the discovery by analyzing past excavations, conducting new surveys, and using historical records.
Their findings suggest that King Harold’s power center in Bosham has been found after centuries of mystery.
A royal residence hidden in plain sight
The Bayeux Tapestry shows Bosham twice: once when Harold is feasting in a grand hall before sailing to France, and again when he returns. However, the exact location of Harold’s home in Bosham had never been confirmed—until now.
Previous studies suggested that a private home in the village might be built on top of the lost royal residence. The archaeologists used geophysical surveys, historical maps, and records to study the area. They also re-examined evidence from a 2006 excavation by West Sussex Archaeology, which had uncovered medieval structures.
A Surprising clue: An ancient toilet
The research confirmed the presence of two medieval buildings—one integrated into the current house and another in the garden. However, the most important clue came from the 2006 excavations, which uncovered a latrine (toilet) inside a large timber building.
In recent years, archaeologists have learned that high-status houses in England from the 10th century onward often included private latrines. This suggested that the building was not an ordinary home but a royal residence.
Dr. Duncan Wright, a Senior Lecturer in Medieval Archaeology at Newcastle University, explained:
“Realizing that the 2006 excavations had uncovered an Anglo-Saxon en-suite bathroom confirmed that this house sits on the site of an elite residence. Looking at this clue, along with all our other evidence, we can say with confidence that this was Harold Godwinson’s power center—the one shown in the Bayeux Tapestry.”
A rare Anglo-Saxon discovery
Professor Oliver Creighton from the University of Exeter added:
“The Norman Conquest replaced the English ruling class, leaving behind very few physical remains of Anglo-Saxon aristocracy. That makes this discovery hugely significant—we have found an Anglo-Saxon show-home.”
This research is part of the “Where Power Lies” project, which studies the origins and early development of aristocratic centers across England. The discovery at Bosham gives historians and archaeologists a rare glimpse into the world of Anglo-Saxon England before the Norman Conquest.
This exciting find not only helps us understand King Harold’s life but also provides a new piece of evidence from one of the most dramatic moments in English history.
Source: Newcastle University.
