Claiments To The Throne Flashcards
Who were the 4 claimants to the throne
English noble Harold godwinson
Duke William of Normandy
Viking Harald hardrada
Great nephew Edgar Aethling
Why did people think godwinson was the best confessor
He was one of the richest more influential families in England
He was the earl of Wessex
His family had close links to Edward (his sister was married to him)
He removed his own brother for king Edward
On his death bed Edward promised him the throne
Why did some people not believe that Edward promised Harold godwinson the throne
People say Edward wasn’t of sound mind or that he only asked him to protect his wife
What reasons did William have for being the confessor
Experienced military leader
Built up the power of previous Norman dukes and conquered neighbouring lands
Says edward promised him I’m 1051 and Harold godwinson reaffirmed this promise when he was shipwrecked off the coast of Normandy in 1064 and he was saved and swore on holy relics
Who supported William
The pope
Why Harald hardrada thought he should gain the throne
Had conquered countries such as Norway before
The throne should now go back to the Norwegian king as king harthacnut died childless
Who supported Harald hardrada
Tostig
Why did Edgar aethling belief he should be confessor
Is edwards closest male relative
Has royal blood
In 1050s claimed that Edward named him as confessor
Was raised by him after his father was exiled
Edward changed his mind about him confessing
He is only 14 and the witan don’t support him
