What were the problems caused by Edward the Confessor’s death?
- The vikings had a claim to the throne
- he had no children
- Harold was a subking
How were vikings connected to England?
- Constantly raided England in the 10th century
- killed the English king Aethelred in 1016 causing Viking Canute to become king but later being killed by Aethelred’s family by 1035
How were the Normans commented to England?
Aethelred’s late wife and sons (Alfred and Edward) escaped to their uncle Richard Duke of Normandy where he raised them before Emma was forced back to England to marry Canute in 1017 ensuring Norman influence in England
What did King Canute do to England?
Canute dividided England into four earldoms being:
Wessex, Northumbria, Mercia and Anglia, earl of Wessex being most powerful
When did Canute die?
1035
Who ruled after Canute?
His two sons:
- Harefoot 1035-40
- Harthcanute 1040-1042
Why did Edward come to England before being king?
Current king Harthcanute invited him
Who were the 4 claimants to the throne?
- Edgar the Atheling - Saxon Prince
- Harold Hardrada - king of Norway
- Harold Godwinson - Anglo Saxon earl of Wessex
- William Duke of Normandy
Why was Edgar the Atheling a claimant?
great Nephew of Edward
Why was Harold Hardrada a claimant?
claimed he was promised throne by father (son of Harthcanute)
Why was Harold Godwinson a claimant?
governed the country on Edwards behalf, claimed he promised him the throne and was Edward’s brother in law
Why was William Duke of Normandy a claimant?
Distant cousin of Edward through his mum, Emma and claimed he promised him the throne
What were the Anglo Saxon rules of inheritance?
Family ties - a son inherits otherwise a male relative or previous king instead
Post obitum - where the king nominates his throne to someone in th event of his death
Novissima verba - the king nominates his throne on his deathbed
The witan - a group of leading nobles that could suggest an heir or support the king’s choice
Use of force - claimants fought for the throne
How many lived in Britain before 1066?
2 million
How many housecarls were before 1066?
2000-3000
Why wasn’t England not well defended before 1066?
There weren’t many castles
When did Edward the Confessor die?
January 1066
