Basic details of the various claims to the throne of England

1. Basic details of the various claims to the throne of England 11. William: This candidate can claim that Edward named him as heir in 1051 and furthermore that Edward considered him a principle ally whenever a crisis hit England. He can also point to two hostages that Edward passed to him that could be evidence that Edward wanted to force the Godwin family to support this candidates claim. 1. Edgar: If the succession to the crown of England was based purely on the system of primogeniture, rather than using genetics as a guideline, this candidate would have been the successor to Edward. His grandfather was Edward’s half brother. 4. Hardrada: This candidate hails from an area of Europe that could boast three previous English kings. He was the only candidate who had experience in ruling a country as king. 7. Godwinson: This candidate can claim that Edward favoured him as heir because Edward allowed him to govern England for him as subregulus and was apparently named successor by Edward whilst Edward was on his deathbed. 5. Hardrada: This candidate for the throne would have reason to believe that a significant minority of the population would support his claim to the throne. 9. Godwinson: This candidate is the only candidate with experience of ruling anything in England. He is also the only candidate who has lived in England throughout his life and built an English power base. 12. William: This candidate can claim that his main rival for the throne made a solemn promise to support his claim rather than to pursue his own. He can also point to the fact that the Pope (God’s representative on earth) supports his claim to the throne and therefore he should be king by divine right. 2. Edgar: This candidate was the only one who has the blood of English kings running through his veins. 6. Hardrada: This candidate for the throne can point to an amazing and unsurpassed career as a military leader, fighting all over the world and proving incredibly successful. He would be a strong military ruler and was wealthy as a result of his victories. 10. Godwinson: This candidate is the only candidate with experience of fighting on the British isles and, so far as the evidence shows, was undefeated in battle and a respected warrior. 3. Edgar: Edward sent important people, such as the Bishop of Worcester, hundreds of miles at great expense to find the father of this candidate. Probably with a view to making a family member the heir to the throne. 8. William and Godwinson: This candidate could claim that without the protection and efforts of his family, Edward could never have become king and therefore, as there was no clear heir, Edward owed him the succession.

2. Basic details on why there was a succession crisis in 1066 • Harold Godwinson’s Ambition and Power • Clearly wanted to be king • Acted as subregulus after 1052, gathering yet more power to himself • His family controlled almost half of England by 1066. • He may have put pressure on Edward to not name another heir, therefore keeping the issue of the succession ambiguous (unclear) • Had the country united behind him during the battles of 1066 and therefore you can conclude that he had been successful in gathering power an influence • Edward’s Lack of Blood Heir • Primogeniture not the only important measure of kingship but is still the most important e.g. Cnut – Harefoot– Harthacnut • Had Edward produced an heir then Harold Godwinson and William could never have claimed a right to the throne. • A son of Edward would have had an unquestionably strong claim to the throne, something that none of the other candidates had. • Was he infertile? Was he homosexual? Did he not do it to spite the Godwins? Either way the lack of heir left a huge question mark over the succession. • Edward’s Relationship with Normandy • 1051/52 he may have named William as heir to gain an ally • Granted land to Abbey of Fecamp • May have sent Harold to Normandy in 1064 to confirm Edward’s wish that William was king • Promoted Norman interests in England e.g. William Bishop of London (1051-75), Robert of Jumieges, Normans at court. • Lived in Normandy for much of his childhood, maybe William felt he was owed the crown due to his family sheltering Edward. • Edward’s Capriciousness • May have named William in 1051 • Sent Bishop or Worcester to search for blood relatives (Edward the Exile + Edgar the Aetheling) • Named Harold on his deathbed • May have sent Harold to confirm William as heir in 1064 • May have not made up his mind on purpose, if he had then it could have meant conflict during his lifetime e.g. favouring William may have meant he couldn’t have used Harold Godwinson as he did, favouring Godwinson may have led to earlier Norman invasion, favouring Edgar may have meant both.