Claims to the throne

Question 1

Who were the claimants to King Edward’s throne?

Answer 1

1. Edgar Aetheling
2. Harald Hardrada
3. William of Normandy
4. Harold Godwinson

Question 2

What was Edgar Aetheling’s claim to the throne? (3 pros and 3 cons)

Answer 2

• nearest blood relative to the King
• Had lived with Edward since he was a child and many thought he was his adopted son
• English
• Was very young- weak
• Not as much support as other claimants
• not named an heir by Edward

Question 3

What was Harald Hadrada’s claim to the throne? (3 pros)

Answer 3

• King of Norway, he was a powerful Viking with a large and successful army
• related to King Cnut who had ruled England previously-claimed previous English king, Harthacanute, had made an agreement with his father -Hardrada had a claim to the throne
• support of Tostig Godwinson (earl)

Question 4

What was William’s claim to the throne? (4 pros)

Answer 4

• distant cousin of Edward
• Successful warrior
• When the King faced rebellion from the Earl Godwin in 1051- he had supported him
• Edwards had promised him the throne and claimed that Harold had sworn to support this oath in 1064

Question 5

What was Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne? (6 pros)

Answer 5

• not a blood relation to the king-brother in law of Edward
• Godwins -most powerful family in England and they controlled Wessex, (strongest English earldom) Harold inherited Wessex (1053)-made him the richest man in England
• Harold acted as sub-regulus
• skilful military leader
• support of the witan
• Edward had promised him the throne

Question 6

Edward the Confessor died on?

Answer 6

5th January 1066

Question 7

When was Harold Godwinson crowned king?

Answer 7

6th January 1066