[SunkenCiv]

I’d go further and say that the story that Harold was ever shipwrecked was completely made up b******t, just part of the supporting myth used to rationalize William the Usurper’s conquest and rule.

[ZULU]

Would not surprise me.

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

That theory that one or more shipwrecks played any role in Harold's defeat at Hastings seems dubious. Harold had to first defeat a Danish invasion at Stamford bridge, then force-march his men to Hastings. Harolds troops were exhausted and were too late to stop the Normans from embarking and forming up their troops. A battle to prevent the Normans from even setting foot on English soil would have worked (probably) if Harold was waiting for them with a well-rested army.