last years of edward and succesion crisis Flashcards
who were the godwins
The Godwins were a powerful Anglo-Saxon noble family in England, Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, who reigned briefly in 1066.
The family played a significant role in English politics were central figures in the events leading up to the Norman Conquest.
What roles did Godwin have?
Earl of Wessex (1020-53)
Earl of Kent (1023-53)
What role did Sweyn Godwinson have?
Earl of Hereford (1043-51)
What roles did Harold Godwinson have?
Earl of East Anglia (1045-57)
Earl of Wessex (1053-66)
Earl of Hereford (1058-66)
Earl of East Anglia (1045-57)
Earl of Wessex (1053-66)
Earl of Hereford (1058-66)
What role did Tostig Godwinson have?
Earl of Northumbria (1055-65)
why were the godwins a threat
Political Power and Influence
The Godwins held significant political power, particularly through Harold Godwinson, who was the Earl of Wessex — the most powerful earldom in England.
The family’s close connection to King Edward the Confessor, due to their strategic marriage ties (e.g., Harold’s sister, Edith, was married to Edward), also gave them influence at court, which helped them maintain control over key positions of power.
- Control Over Large Territories
The Godwins controlled large swaths of land across southern England, especially in Wessex, the richest and most influential region in the kingdom. This vast wealth allowed them to raise armies, build alliances, and exert control over other regions of England, making them a powerful rival to the monarchy. - Military Strength
The Godwins commanded a large and loyal military force. Their power wasn’t just political but also military. Harold, as the Earl of Wessex, could raise substantial forces to defend his interests or challenge others, including the king.
This military capability made the family a direct threat to any rivals or to the monarch if the royal authority was weak or unpopular, as they had the means to mount military challenges to any rival factions. - Harold’s Claim to the Throne
Upon the death of Edward the Confessor in 1066, Harold Godwinson claimed the throne of England, despite competing claims from William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada of Norway. Harold’s position as the Earl of Wessex and his political and military backing made him the strongest claimant to the throne from an Anglo-Saxon perspective.
His swift coronation after Edward’s death and the support of the Godwin family made him a powerful rival to William, who had been promised the throne by Edward. This challenge to William’s claim directly led to the Norman Conquest and the Battle of Hastings in 1066, where Harold was killed. - Alliances with Other Powerful Figures
The Godwins were skilled at forging alliances with other powerful figures, including other nobles and foreign rulers. Harold’s military campaigns against both Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson (his brother) were supported by such alliances, which helped secure his position as a powerful figure in Anglo-Saxon politics.
Which three factors made someone acceptable as king?
Being a blood relative of the king
Being identified as successor by the previous king
Being accepted as king by the English nobles (i.e. the Witan)
When did Harold crown himself?
January 6th, 1066
What were the reasons for Tostig being disliked by the people of his earldom?
Harsh Rule and Tyranny
heavy-handedness and oppressive behavior. Tostig imposed high taxes and fines on the local population, which caused resentment among the people.
- Failure to Understand Local Customs
The people of Northumbria were used to a certain level of independence, and they had their own local traditions and customs. - Conflict with Local Nobles
Tostig clashed with the local Northumbrian nobles, who felt alienated and ignored under his rule. He dismissed or alienated influential northern leaders, replacing them with his own supporters from the south. - Failure to Defend Northumbria Against Viking Raids
Northumbria had a history of being raided by Vikings, and many people felt that Tostig was ineffective in defending the region against these threats. - Rebellion and Exile
In 1065, after years of growing discontent, a rebellion broke out in Northumbria, led by Tostig’s own subjects. The people and the nobles of the earldom rose up against him, citing his oppressive rule, his inability to protect them, and his failure to respect local traditions. The rebels demanded Tostig’s removal.
Tostig was forced into exile, and the rebellion succeeded in replacing him with Morcar, a local noble who was seen as a more acceptable leader. This rebellion demonstrated how deeply unpopular Tostig had become in Northumbria. - Reputation and Resentment
Tostig’s reputation as a cruel ruler and his inability to relate to the people of Northumbria cemented his status as a disliked figure in the region. The way he had treated the people, his failure to listen to their grievances, and his oppressive policies left him with little support among the Northumbrians.
What are the two different interpretations as to why Harold went on this embassy?
NORMAN: Harold went to talk about Edward’s wish for William to be his successor
ANGLO-SAXON: Harold went to recover two hostages from William - Harold’s brother and nephew
After relying Edward’s message to William, what do Norman sources say Harold did?
Harold swore on holy relics, making a solemn oath to help William become king after Edward’s death
ho did Edward send in response to the events of 1065? What did this person realise and advise Edward to do? Why did he do this?
Edward sent Harold to talk to the rebels
Harold realised that Tostig couldn’t keep control of the area.
He advised Edward to make Morcar the Earl of Northumbria, as - otherwise - the defence from the north of England would be weak
What did Tostig do in response to the advice given to Edward in 1065?
Tostig accused Harold of conspiring against him, leaving England and going into exile abroad
