Claimants To The Throne Flashcards
Why was England left in a power struggle when Edward died?
Edward and Edith had no children
Who was Edgar Aethling?
The kings great nephew, known as the Saxon prince, who had been under Edward’s care since his father died at the age of 6
What was Edgar Aethling’s strength?
He had a bloodline to the throne
What were Edgar Aethlings weaknesses? (4)
He was only 15, lacked experience, lacked support from earls and the Witan because they wanted a strong warrior king who could defend against threats from Scandinavia and Normandy, Edward did nothing to boost Edgar’s chance of succession
Who was William of Normandy?
He was duke of Normandy
What were Williams strengths? (3)
Norman’s were Europe’s best warriors, Edward had promised him the throne?, his claim to the throne was supported by the Pope
What were Williams weaknesses? (2)
He would have to convince his men to risk everything on a risky invasion attempt and then get his men across the channel, his claim lacked evidence although it was supported by the Pope
Who was Harold Hardrada?
He was King of Norway and a Viking warrior
What were Harold Hardradas strengths? (3)
Feared across Europe, had 15,000 warriors, had 300 or more Viking long ships to invade
What was Harold Hardradas weakness?
The only person who wanted him as king was Tostig Godwinson
Explain Harald Hardrada’s claim to the throne in 7 points
King Cnut (1016-1035) ruled England, Denmark and Norway, when he died his son Harthacnut inherited the throne, shortly after Harthacnut lost control of Norway to Magnus Olaffson, to avoid war they agreed that when one of them died childless the other would inherit the throne, Harthacnut died childless in 1042 so Magnus claimed Danish and English throne but English throne was inherited by Harthacnut’s half brother Edward, Harald Hardrada’s constant raiding parties along Norwegian coast caused Magnus to offer to rule Norway together with Hardrada due to the pressure, when Magnus died in 1047 he gained full control of Norway and took on Magnus’ claim to England
What were Harold Godwinson’s strengths? (9)
On the spot when Edward died, the kings deputy, supported by the Witan who crowned him as the kings successor, he had influence with Earls and thegns, he was a proven military prowess, family connection, land ownership, appointed as King’s successor by the King himself on his death bed, Danish allies, strong links with influential bishops so he won support of the church
What was William of Normandy’s claim to the throne?
Based on an agreement William said was made between Edward and himself around 1051. This was supposedly confirmed by Harold’s embassy to Normandy in 1064
What did Harold’s embassy involve? 5 points
In the summer of 1064 Harold was sent as Edward’s ambassador to Normandy to confirm the King’s promise of the crown to William, Harold’s ship blown off course and landed in territory of Count Guy of Ponthieu who held Harold prisoner, William freed him, Harold joined William’s army and saved some of William’s men from drowning, Harold swore on oath on religious relics to help William become King after Edward’s death -this is shown in the Bayeux Tapestry
Why is the story of Harold’s embassy not entirely believable?
Only appears in Norman sources after 1066
