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Portskewett, South Wales
First screened 30 March 2008
In this section: Portskewett home | Background | What they found | Secrets of the Severn | Q&A | Find out more
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Hunting King Harold
Harold's Field in Portskewett, Monmouthshire, has long been rumoured (and referenced in The Anglo-Saxon Chronicles) as a site where Harold Godwinson, later to become King Harold, built a hunting lodge in 1065 after defeating the Welsh. Before that, this same hill may have been the location of a Welsh royal palace reported as having been built in the 6th century. As if that isn't enough, pottery finds nearby suggest the hill may also have been utilised in Roman times too.More about Portskewett »
What they found
Harold planned to build a grand hunting lodge at Portskewett to mark the victory. Local tradition suggested that he had done so in what is now known as Harold's Field, on the hill next to where St Mary's church now stands.
Harold planned to build a grand hunting lodge at Portskewett to mark the victory. Local tradition suggested that he had done so in what is now known as Harold's Field, on the hill next to where St Mary's church now stands.
Secrets of the Severn
Maritime archaeologist Nigel Nayling reveals some of the secrets of the Severn.
Maritime archaeologist Nigel Nayling reveals some of the secrets of the Severn.
Time Trial
Watched the programme, browsed the web pages? Now try our quick quiz to see how you get on.
Watched the programme, browsed the web pages? Now try our quick quiz to see how you get on.
Related links
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