Norman Conquest: Contenders for the Throne

Question 1

Edgar the Outlaw

Answer 1

• Saxon Prince
• great nephew of the king
• Edward promised the throne to his late father
• was seen and Edwards adopted son, had support of the Earls
• took part on a number of rebellions against the normans
• closest relative thought the male blood tie

Question 2

Harold Hardrada

Answer 2

• King of Norway, related to Canute
• the promised heir, had the right as his father was never given it
• a powerful experienced Viking
• large and successful army

Question 3

Harold Godwinson

Answer 3

• Earl of Wessex
• had good alliances as he was the kings advisor
• Edward was married to his sister
• promised the throne on his death bed
• supported by all of the English Nobel’s except his brother Tostig, had supports of the witan

Question 4

William Duke of Normandy

Answer 4

• a distant cousin of the king who Edward knew well
• had many supporters including the Pope (God)
• was promised the throne
• Harold had sworn to support him on his claim to the throne in 1064
• successful and brutal warrior, 1047 battle of Vol-es-Dunes