1. 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. 2. Edgar: This candidate was the only one who has the blood of English kings running through his veins. 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. 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. 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. 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.

2. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.