Edward the Confessor's Death & Succession Crisis Flashcards
(29 cards)
How important was Edward the Confessor’s reign?
Edward the Confessor is controversial to modern historians. Some credit him for stability, while others view him as a bad king due to his reliance on earls and lack of children.
What caused the death of Edward the Confessor?
Edward was unwell in 1065, suffering from strokes and declining health. He died on 5th January 1066 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Why did Edward the Confessor’s death cause a succession crisis?
Edward died without children, leaving no direct heir. This led to competition among several claimants for the throne.
Who were the main claimants to the English throne in January 1066?
The main claimants were Harold Godwinson, Edgar Aethling, Harald Hardrada, and William, Duke of Normandy.
What was Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne?
Harold believed Edward’s dying wish was for him to be king. He was the most powerful earl and had strong support.
What were the strengths of Harold Godwinson’s claim?
He had a family connection through his sister Edith, was a powerful earl, and had proven military leadership.
What were the weaknesses of Harold Godwinson’s claim?
He was not a blood relative of Edward and Edward had some mistrust towards him.
What was Edgar Aethling’s claim to the throne?
Edgar was King Edward’s great-nephew, giving him a blood connection to Edward.
What were the strengths of Edgar Aethling’s claim?
He had a royal blood connection as an Aethling, which meant ‘prince of royal blood’ in Anglo-Saxon times.
What were the weaknesses of Edgar Aethling’s claim?
He lacked political connections and was too young to be seen as a strong leader.
What was Harald Hardrada’s claim to the throne?
Hardrada claimed the throne based on previous Viking rulers’ connections to England.
What were the strengths of Harald Hardrada’s claim?
He was a strong military leader with a large army and had support from Tostig Godwinson.
What were the weaknesses of Harald Hardrada’s claim?
His claim was weak as it did not come from a direct claimant and he was a foreign ruler.
What was William, Duke of Normandy’s claim to the throne?
William claimed that Edward named him heir in 1051 and that Harold’s embassy confirmed this.
What were the strengths of William’s claim?
He was a successful ruler backed by the Pope, which added legitimacy to his claim.
What were the weaknesses of William’s claim?
Many in England opposed a foreign ruler, and his blood connection to Edward was very distant.
When did Harold Godwinson become King?
Harold Godwinson was crowned King of England on 6th January 1066, the same day as Edward’s funeral.
Why did the Witan choose Harold Godwinson as king?
The Witan chose Harold quickly due to the urgency of threats from Normandy and the need for a strong leader.
What problems did Harold Godwinson face as king?
He faced challenges from disloyal earls, his brother Tostig’s alliances, and the threat of William’s invasion.
Who ruled Northumbria poorly before Harold Godwinson?
Harold Godwinson’s brother Tostig ruled Northumbria poorly and was overthrown in 1065.
Why did Harold Godwinson need the support of Northumbria?
Harold needed the support of Northumbria to rule England.
What significant action did Harold take to raise support?
Harold raised the biggest fleet and army that England had ever seen.
How did Mercia show loyalty to Harold?
Mercia defeated Tostig’s army, demonstrating their loyalty to Harold.
What did Harold do in York?
Harold traveled to York to meet with members of the Witan who had not attended the meeting in London.
