Normans- Conquest and Control Pt 1 Flashcards
Who was the king of England in 1041?
Edward the confessor
Who were the Godwin family?
They were a family who held a lot of power
What happened with the Godwin family in 1051?
They rebelled against Edward
What was William’s role in the Godwin rebellion?
William, Duke of Normandy, sent over his army to protect Edward
When did Edward die?
January 1066
How did Edward’s death cause a crisis?
He had no heir leading to 4 claimants to the throne
Who were the 4 claimants to the throne?
Harold Godwinson
Harald Hadrada
Edgar Aethling
William, Duke of Normandy
Why did Edgar have a strong claim?
He was the closest blood relative to Edward
Why did Edgar have a weak claim?
He was only 14 and very inexperienced and had little support
Why did Harald have a strong claim?
His father was promised the throne after Harthacanute
He was an experienced ruler and a famous warrior
he had Tostig’s support
Why did Harald have a weak claim?
The promise was made from an old king to his father
Only the north supported him
He was feared and violent
Why did Harold have a strong claim?
He was Edward’s brother in law
He was made Edward’s sub-regulus in the 1050s
He was the richest man in England
Edward said that he should be the next king on his deathbed
Skilful military leader
had the support of the Witan
Why did Harold have a weak claim?
He wasn’t a blood relative
Why did William have a strong claim?
He was a distant cousin of Edward
He helped Edward out and in return, Edward promised him the throne
in 1064 Harold had sworn an oath to support William’s claim to the throne
He was a strong leader and powerful warrior
Why did William have a weak claim?
He was an illegitimate child
Relationship with Edward was flawed
