⌛️Harold Godwinson And William Of Normandy Flashcards
Who was Earl Godwin?
Earl Godwin was king Canute’s chief advisor and earldom of Wessex. For his support in Edwards smooth transition to power, Godwin was awarded in 1043 when his eldest son and second son were granted earldoms, in 1045 Godwin arranged for Edward to marry his daughter Edith to establish his dominance over the new king whose country was largely unknown to him.
What did Godwin being a suspect in Edward’s brother’s murder mean?
Edward wanted to reduce his power by bringing in allies from Normandy. Edward exiled the Godwin clan and sent his wife to a nunnery. However the next year the Godwin family returned by forced, and with Edwards own army reluctant to fight, he was forced to restore power to the Godwin family and banish most of his Norman advisors
Explain the rise of Harold Godwinson
When Godwin died in 1053, his now oldest son - Harold - became earl of Wessex. In the 1060s the Godwin family had increasing power and wealth - the family’s wealth was more than the king. Edward had seemed to have established a better relationship with Harold which helped Edward to dominate England and ensure peace and stability
How was Harold described?
The Vita Edwardi describes him as tall, handsome, graceful and strong and continues to say he was easy-going and confident. Vita Edwardi states that Harold won the respect of those around him by discussing battle plans and listening to criticism - he had a reputation as a formidable leader
Why did Wales become a major threat to English security?
Gruffydd declared himself the first king of Wales in 1055. He formed an alliance with the disgraced earl - Aelfgar. In response King Edwards raised an angry and sent Harold to deal with the issue. Harold and Gruffydd reached a peace where Aelfgar was restored to his earldom and Gruffydd was give territory in return to recognise Edward as king
Why was it a temporary peace?
In 1056 Gruffydd defeated the warrior monk - bishop of Hereford. As a result Harold led an army to punish Gruffydd but it failed and resulted in Harold being forced to granting more lands to Gruffydd and recognise him as the king of Wales
Explain the third attempt to eliminate Gruffydd
Following Gruffydd’s raids in 1062, Harold marched through the harsh winter conditions to try and capture the Welsh king. However, he was tipped off and escaped just in time, Harold venting his anger, burnt his palace to the ground
Continuing his goal, what happened in 1063
Harold launched a full-scale campaign. Harold took his army into South Wales while Tostig invaded North Wales - they devastated the land. The brothers relentlessly hunted Gruffydd and gradually wore the Welsh fighters down. Welsh morale finally broke and Gruffydd’s men turned on him, delivering his head to Harold
Explain Harrold oath to William
In 1064 Harold made a trip to France. According to some Norman writers, Harold was travelling on Edward’s behalf to reconfirm the offer of the English throne in 1051 to William. En route he was held captive where he was rescued by William and taken to his court, here Harold took an oath of loyalty to William and promised to help William secure the English throne on Edwards death. However on his death, betrayed William and established himself as king
What do English writers believe about Harold’s visit?
Some English sources mention no visit, while others give different versions. For example, one argues that Harold travelled to Normandy in order to secure the release of family members, arguing further that he was forced into swearing an oath to William
Explain the Northumbria uprising
After being appointed earl of Northumbria, Tostig attempted to bring this region under control. He employed brutal tactics and funded his efforts by raising taxes - adding to his unpopularity. It was when he arranged for the murder of three local magnates that in 1065 the Northumbrians rose up, slaughtering his housecarls and plundering his treasure. When the rebels began to march south threaten the stability of England, the King placed Harold in charge of finding a solution. To avoid a civil war and foreign enemies taking advantage, Harold sent his brother into exile
When did Edward the confessor die and Harold become King?
1066
Explain the Battle of Gate Fulford
In 1066 Hardrada invaded England with the help of Harold’s exiled revengeful brother Tostig. The very winds that kept William waiting impatiently in Normandy helped speed Hardrada’s fleet of longships across the Sea. Tostig would support Hardrada in his invasion in return for help in gaining the Earldom. Harold, unaware of his brother and Hardrada threat, lay waiting for the invasion of William however, they did not appear and Harold, who was running low on supplies, was forced to dispatch his army
Who did Harold send to fight that battle?
Upon hearing the news, Harold sent Edwin and Morcar. Hardrada had kept back the best of his troops as a secret weapon using them to smash into the side of the English and forcing them into retreat - many English lost their lives (around 1,000)
Explain the Battle of Stamford Bridge
Harold quickly raised a new army and commenced a march covering a spectacular 300km in five days - along the way his number is increased by local recruits. Harold had planned on taking the Vikings by surprise. This was successful, and the first the Vikings knew of the English’s presence was an approaching cloud of dust, many of the Vikings did not even have their chain coats on. Despite reinforcements arriving, they were exhausted after match in full kit and quickly the Vikings were being ruthlessly hunted down
