Godwin(son) family and Last Years of Edward

Question 1

Who were the House of
Godwin?

Answer 1

Descendants of Godwin, Earl of Wessex – very powerful Earl.

Question 2

Why did Harold Godwinson become powerful?

Answer 2

Inherited his father’s lands in 1053 giving him riches and influence.
His sister Edith married King Edward in 1045, making him the brother-in-law of Edward.

Question 3

How much land did the Godwins have?

Answer 3

Harold – Wessex. Tostig – Northumbria. Gyrth - East Anglia.
Leofwine – Kent. Controlled more land than the King, giving them leverage over Edward the Confessor.

Question 4

Why did Harold go to Normandy?

Answer 4

Norman version: to promise the throne to William
Anglo-Saxon version: Other negotiations - possibly to convince William to release his brother Wulfnoth and his nephew Hakon from being held hostage

Question 5

Why did Northumbria revolt against Tostig?

Answer 5

Tostig doubled their taxes & ruled them harshly while failing to protect them from Scottish attacks.
He was also from the South - Northumbrians disliked that.

Question 6

Why was there a succession crisis when Edward died?

Answer 6

1. No heir. Edward had no children to take the throne
2. No clear successor. Edward didn’t leave clear instructions
3. Competing claims. Four people thought they could be King
4. England’s wealth. The kingdom was a big prize for anyone who won
   the crown.