Normans And 1066 Flashcards
When was Edward the confesser king?
1042-1066
When did Edward the Confesser die?
1066
How many children di he have?
None despite a Saxon wife
What did this mean for the next person on the throne?
There was no one there to take his place
What happened in 1066?
There was a lot of contenders for the throne which meant people fought to be king.
What was the good reasons was there for Harland Hardrada having the throne?
Claimed to be the true heir of Canute. Since Canute had ruled England as well as Norway and Denmark so should he. Harold Godwin’s brother Tostig supported him and would supply an army and ships to help dethrone Harold. Also supported by vikings.
What was bad reasons for Harold Hardrada having the throne?
He was in Norway not England. Most English men preferred Harold. If he invaded England it would renew the old wars between Danes and English.
What was the good reasons for William of Normandy having the throne?
Claimed that Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne of England. Claimed that Harold had sworn to back him as king. He was an experienced commander and had good equipment he was supported by the pope
What was the bad reasons for William of Normandy having the throne?
Harold was already established as England would require a fleet and could be very risky. He would have little support in England. He also was a foreigner
What was the bad reasons for a Harold Godwin being the king?
William claimed that Harold had promised to support him as king, and had sworn on holy relics to do so.
What was the good thing for Harold Godwin being the king?
Brother-in- law of Edward the confessor . A good strong fighting leader. Very popular with most of the English. He had been elected King by Witan (Saxon Council made up of bishops, nobles and advisors.
What was the good reasons for Edward the Atheling being the king?
Great grandson of Ethelred the Unready. Grand nephew of Edward the Confessor. Thus a direct descendant of the Saxon royal family. Harry had only married into it.
What was the bad reasons for Edward the Atheling being the king?
Only a boy so could not fight either Duke William or King of Norway. Had been brought up in Hungary so had few supporters in England.
When did Edward the Confesser die?
On the 6th of January 1066
What are the Witan?
The most important people of England including Lords and Bishops
Who became King in 1066 on the 6th of January?
Harold Godwinson
What were Harold Hardrada and William of Normandy’ s reactions of him being king?
They thought they had better reasons. They were very angry they even fought him
What did Harold Godwinson do in February-March 1066?
Told the English people about the new laws because all the new kings did this
What did Harold Godwinson see in the sky and what were his and the crowds impression?
He was scared by something he saw burning in the sky. The crowd thought it was a message from God that God didn’t want him to be king
What did Harold Godwin arange for in the summer of 1066?
To send an army of soldiers to gather
Why did William of Normandy not turn up?
The seas between England and France were bad
