Anglo Saxon

• Who ruled England from 1042 to 1066?


  Edward the Confessor
• Why was Edward the Confessor known for his strong ties to Normandy?


  Because he spent much of his youth there
• What was a key issue during Edward the Confessor's reign?


  He had no children to inherit the throne
• What was the significance of Edward the Confessor's lack of children?


  It led to uncertainty about succession
• When did Edward the Confessor die?


  5 January 1066
• What was the result of Edward's death regarding the throne?


  It created a succession crisis
• What was a major issue following Edward's death?


  He had not clearly named a successor
• What factors contributed to the competing claims for the throne after Edward's death?


  Blood relationships, promises made by Edward, and political/military power
• Who was Harold Godwinson?


  A powerful English nobleman and brother-in-law of Edward the Confessor
• What were the factors supporting Harold Godwinson's claim to the throne?


  He was the most powerful nobleman, claimed Edward named him successor, and had Witenagemot support
• When was Harold Godwinson crowned king?


  6 January 1066
• Why did Harold Godwinson's quick coronation matter?


  It was an attempt to solidify his claim before other contenders could act
• Who was William of Normandy?


  William the Conqueror, a claimant to the English throne
• What were the factors in William of Normandy's claim to the throne?


  He was a distant cousin of Edward, claimed Edward promised him the throne, and alleged Harold swore an oath
• How was William of Normandy related to Edward the Confessor?


  He was a distant cousin through Edward's mother, Emma of Normandy
• What was the basis for Harald Hardrada's claim to the English throne?


  An agreement made between his predecessor and an earlier English king
• What title did Harald Hardrada hold?


  King of Norway
• What was the outcome of the succession crisis in 1066?


  It led to a series of battles determining the future of England
• What happened at the Battle of Fulford?

  Harald Hardrada and Tostig Godwinson defeated the Northern Earls
• What was the outcome of the Battle of Stamford Bridge?

  Harold Godwinson defeated and killed Harald Hardrada
• What occurred during the Battle of Hastings?

  William of Normandy defeated Harold Godwinson, who was killed in the battle
• What was the significance of William of Normandy's victory?


  It marked the end of the Anglo-Saxon period and the beginning of Norman rule in England