Anglo Saxon: claimants to the throne Flashcards
who were the 4 claimants to the throne in 1066?
Harold Godwinson, William or Normandy, Harald Hardrada and Edgar the Aethling
what was Godwinson’s claim to the throne?
king's right and man king's brother in law appointed by king himself Leader of Wessex Support of the English people
why was Godwinson’s claim weak?
he wasn’t a blood relative
what was William of Normandy’s claim to the throne?
already duke of Normandy
claimed king had promised him the throne in 1051
had the Pope’s backing
had strong warriors
why was William of Normandy’s claim weak?
lacking evidence that the king actually promised him the throne
what was Hardrada’s claim to the throne?
already king of Norway so had power name means 'stern ruler' a viking warrior so very brave Tostig Godwinson supported him made a secret deal with the vikings
why was Hardrada’s claim weak?
based on a past agreement with king Cnut
was a viking
what was Edgar the Aethling’s claim to the throne?
royal blood
king’s nephew so rightful heir
under Edward’s care when he died
why was Edgar’s claim weak?
only a teenager and England needed a strong ruler
what was the agreement that Hardrada made with Cnut?
if one of them died childless, the other would take his throne
why was the agreement between Hardrada and Cnut somewhat relevant?
Cnut did die childless but his throne was inherited by his half brother Edward the Confessor so when Edward died childless, Hardrada used this past agreement to say that he had a right to the throne
