Norman Conquest - The Succession Crisis

Question 1

Edgar Aetheling

Answer 1

• anglo-Saxon Prince ( lived in England)
• bloodline – great nephew of king
• his father was chosen by the king to be next in line – died under suspicious circumstances
• possible that Edward wanted an Anglo-Saxon to succeed him
• lacks experience – not strong enough
• only a teenager

Question 2

Harald Hardrada

Answer 2

• king of Norway
• warrior
• Cnut had the throne by force, passed to Anglo Saxon half brother of Hardrada’s father
• secure control over his own land is a strength
• claim because he was Viking
• no direct blood relation

Question 3

William of Normandy

Answer 3

• distant cousin
• knew Edward the Confessor well
• King Edward named him heir
• William was supported by the pope
• 1064 – Harold made a trip to Normandy, and claimed he promised to make him King
• weakness is that he is Norman

Question 4

Who decided who was going to be King?

Answer 4

Witan

Question 5

Harold Godwinson

Answer 5

• earl of Wessex – control over all southern England
• richest man in England
• King Edwards brother in law
• had been the Kings Chancellor
• King Edward married his sister
• claimed he was promised the throne
• left lots of the running of the kingdom to Harold as Edward was dying
• no blood connection
• Edward hated Harold’s father
• oath Harold swore to William was considered invalid as it was under the threat of death