Claimants to the thrown 1066 Flashcards
When did King Edward the confessor die?
5th January 1066
What was bad about King Edward the confessed dying?
He didn’t leave an heir
Who chose the new king?
The witan
Who were the 4 Claimants to the thrown
Edgar the Aethling, Harald Hardrada, Harold Godwinson, William duke of Normandy
What was Edgar’s claim to the thrown
He was the great-nephew of the king
What was Harald’s claim to the thrown
His father promised him the crown but when he died it was given to Edward instead so he believed he should be king
What was Harold’s claim to the thrown
He governed the country and said that he was promised the throne when Edward died
What was William claim to the thrown
He claimed that King Edward had promised him the thrown, he was also supported by the pope, and he said Harold Godwinson swore on holy relics to support him.
Who did the Witan choose to be King?
Harold Godwinson
