Edward The Confessor Flashcards
Why was Edward the Confessor exiled from England as a child?
His exile had been enforced by the seizure of power by Canute in 1016 as Edward was the product of the marriage between Aethelred and Emma of Normandy.
How long was Edward the Confessor in exile and when did he become king of England?
The exile had lasted nearly 25 years, becoming King of England aged 40.
Provide one reason why Earl Godwine supported the appointment of Edward the Confessor as King of England.
Godwine may have agreed to this believing that Edward would be a candidate who was easy to manipulate.
How does historian Morris describe the status and influence of a) Edward the Confessor b) Earl Godwine within England?
Morris asserts that Edward had no influence on English affairs for a quarter of a century whilst Godwine was the ‘principal force in English politics’ during the same period.
What were the three reasons behind the fundamental weakness of the position Edward the Confessor found himself in by 1042?
- Power of the Godwine’s
- His Norman roots
- His relationship with his mother
What were the reasons for the resentment Edward the Confessor held for his mother?
Her marriage to Canute assured that Edward would be exiled.
She may have also played a part in the murder of his brother Alfred in 1036.
How was Edward the Confessor’s relationship with his mother resolved?
Emma’s arrest was secured in November of 1043. She was captured in Winchester and all her money and lands were seized.
How was Godwine involved in the resolution between Edward the Confessor and his mother?
Godwine was present at the event and gave his support to Edward at this moment
How did the arrest of Emma of Normandy define a political eclipse?
From this point on she exerted no political influence on the English state.
How did Edward the Confessor and Godwine differ in having support in England?
Edward had exceedingly few supporters and allies within England whilst Godwine had built a huge power-base that centred around his control of the most valuable and powerful earldom, Wessex.
How did Edward the Confessor attempt to counter-balance the support Godwine could draw upon?
He started to follow a policy of bringing French supporters into England.
Where were most of Edward the Confessor’s French allies situated within England?
They were mainly in areas such as Herefordshire that had little geographical importance apart from trying to prevent Welsh attacks into England.
How did Edward the Confessor make a pragmatic alliance with Godwine in the short-term?
Edward accepted the gift of a warship from Godwine, a cynical move that Godwine had also performed to buy his way out of the part he plated in Alfred’s murder
How did Edward the Confessor appease Godwine in the short-term?
Edward the Confessor married Edith, the daughter of Earl Godwine.
What event in 1051 may have been a deliberate attempt by Edward the Confessor to antagonise the Godwines?
The appointment of a Norman, Robert of Jumieges, to the greatest position of power in the church, the Archbishop of Canterbury.
