The Candidates For The Throne

Question 1

Edward the Confessor’s death

Answer 1

Edward the confessor died of being sick in January 1066. Then there was the decision as to who would be king next.

Question 2

Harold Godwinson

Answer 2

He was the earl of Wessex.
He was Edward the confessors brother in law before he died.
He has wanted to rule England for years.
He was promised the throne by Edward before he laid in his deathbed.
He was popular with the English people
He was a very good soldier and the English army supported him.

Question 3

Edgar Atheling

Answer 3

He was the closest living relative to Edward
He was 14 years old but he has the right to be king as he had royal blood.
He spent most of his life living in other countries but England is his true home.
His family was always loyal unlike the Godwinson’s who rebelled against Edward at one point.

Question 4

William of Normandy

Answer 4

He was the duke of Normandy
He was Edward the confessors cousin
England is closely tied with Normandy
Edward promised him the throne as he defended off the Vikings
He helped Edward by sending soldiers to defend England from the rebellion by the Godwinson’s

Question 5

Harald Hardrada

Answer 5

He was the king of Denmark
He was a direct descendant of king Cnut who ruled England once upon a time
His father was promised the throne by Cnut’s son, but Edward stole it first
The Vikings used to rule England before the Saxons
Harold Godwinson’s brother was supporting him
Many Vikings had been living in England for a long time
There are a lot of Viking families in the north who would most likely support him