Claimants to the throne

Question 1

What did King Edward not do and why was this bad?

Answer 1

Had no kids so left England open to a power struggle

Question 2

Edgar the Aethling

Answer 2

.Edwards great-nephew
.Member of the Saxon royal family
.Only 14
.Lacked experience
.No supporters among the earls

Question 3

William of Normandy

Answer 3

.Apparently promised the throne in 1051 and this promise was renewed in 1064
.Historians say this was unlikely
.He said Harold’s coronation was unlawful since it was done by Archbishop Stigand who the Pope had called corrupt and said could not be Archbishop

Question 4

Harold Godwinson

Answer 4

.Supported by the Witan
.Military experience
.Wealthy

Question 5

Harald Hardrada

Answer 5

.Claim based on an agreement made between King Harthacnut and King Magnus of Norway
.If one died childless the other inherited the throne
.Since Edward died childlessly he used this past agreement to claim the throne