Beginning of course and battles Flashcards
How many people lived in England before 1066?
Two million
When had Edward the Confessor become King?
1042
Strengths of Edgar the Outlaw
Great nephew of Edward
He and his sister had lived with Edward and his wife and were treated as their adopted children
he was Anglo-Saxon and had the support of many nobles
Weaknesses of Edgar the Outlaw
Lacked experience
Only 14/15 years old
No military
Why was he called Edgar the Outlaw?
He took part in rebellions against the Normans after 1066
Strengths of Harald Hardrada
Already a King
Powerful Viking warrior with large and successful army
Related to King Cnut who had been King of England between 1016 and 1035
Had support of North of England
Weaknesses of Harald Hardrada
Spoke little English
Anger issues
What was Harald Hardrada’s claim to the throne?
Claimed his father Magnus had been promised the throne by Harthacnut (Cnut’s son) who was King of England between 1035 and 1042
What was Edgar the Outlaw’s claim to the throne?
King Edward called him to be heir in 1057 (but did not name him)
Had lived with King Edward and was close to him
William Duke of Normandy strengths
Had been Duke of Normandy since 1035 at age 7
Had led successful military campaigns in Sicily and Maine during the 1060s
Distant cousin of Edward the Confessor
William Duke of Normandy weaknesses
Claim to throne may not be true
Spoke little English
What was William’s claim to the throne?
Claimed by him and the Norman chronicles that Edward had promised him the throne in 1051 after he’d supported him when the Godwins rebelled
Claimed Harold Godwinson had sworn an oath to support him in 1064
