3.4 Claims to the Throne

Question 1

What does ‘Family Ties’ mean in terms of methods to succession?

Answer 1

A son of the King could inherit the throne, though it didn’t necessarily have to be eldest son. If King had no sons, then a male relative of previous King could be chosen instead.

Question 2

What does ‘Post Obitum’ mean in terms of methods to succession?

Answer 2

‘After death’ => nomination or bequest, e.g. in a will.

Question 3

What does ‘Novissima Verba’ mean in terms of methods to succession?

Answer 3

If decision of who would be King was made on the deathbed of previous King. The King could name an heir of his choice.

Question 4

What does ‘Election/Selection’ mean in terms of methods to succession?

Answer 4

The witan could either suggest an heir or support the King’s own choice.

Question 5

What does ‘Force’ mean in terms of methods to succession?

Answer 5

Claimants could challenge each other for the throne, and the successful man was then crowded.

Question 6

When did Edward the Confessor die?

Answer 6

Died on 5th January 1066. Had no sons and there was conflict over who should be King.

Question 7

What type of claim did Edgar the Aetheling have?

Answer 7

Family Ties

Question 8

What were the strengths of Edgar the Aetheling as a claimant? (3)

Answer 8

• AS - support of many earls
• Nearest blood relative to dying King => great nephew of Edward
• He was treated as Edward’s adopted son - many viewed him as such

Question 9

What were the weaknesses of Edgar the Aetheling as a claimant? (4)

Answer 9

• Only 14 in 1066
• No money
• No soldiers
• No military experience

Question 10

What type of claim did Harald Hadrada have?

Answer 10

Family Ties

Question 11

What were the strengths of Harald Hardrada as a claimant? (5)

Answer 11

• King of Norway => powerful viking with large and successful army
• Experienced ruler
• Had support of Tostig Godwinson
• Related to King Cnut
• Father promised the throne

Question 12

What were the weaknesses of Harald Hardrada as a claimant? (2)

Answer 12

• No blood relation to current King
• Would struggle to gain support from earls/Witans

Question 13

What type of claim did William of Normandy have?

Answer 13

Post Obitum

Question 14

What were the strengths of William of Normandy as a claimant? (6)

Answer 14

• Wessex + Normandy had been allies since 988
• William had sent Norman soldiers to support Edward in rebellions
• Seemed to have been promised throne by Edward
• Normans claimed Harold Godwinson had promised under oath to support William’s claim to the throne
• Capable and strong ruler with military experience and an army
• Edward spent time in Normandy

Question 15

What were the weaknesses of William of Normandy as a claimant? (2)

Answer 15

• Illegitimate son of Richard, Duke of Normandy
• Distant cousin to Edward but relationship flawed due to illegitimacy

Question 16

What type of claim did Harold Godwinson have?

Answer 16

Novissima verba

Question 17

What were the strengths of Harold Godwinson as a claimant? (6)

Answer 17

• King’s brother in law
• Inherited father’s earldom in 1053 - richest man in England
• Acted as sub-regulus in final years of Edward’s reign
• Skilful military leader
• Edward’s dying wish seemed to be that Harold became King
• Had support of Witan and other earls.

Question 18

What were the weaknesses of Harold Godwinson as a claimant? (3)

Answer 18

• Had tried and failed to overthrow Edward, was exiled, then returned
• Harold didn’t deny making an oath to William, but claimed it wasn’t to William becoming King, just him personally
• Claimed he had been forced to make the oath because he was a prisoner + being threatened