succession crisis 1066

• What does the Bayeux Tapestry depict regarding Harold Godwinson?

  It shows Harold Godwinson being crowned King of England
• Why might Harold Godwinson have been considered the most likely candidate for king?

  He was a powerful noble who had successfully put down a rebellion and was popular
• What was controversial about Stigand, the archbishop who crowned Harold?

  His controversial status may have been used by the Normans to discredit Harold's claim
• What happened to Edward the Confessor in January 1066?

  He died after a long illness
• What was the significance of Edward the Confessor having no children?

  It led to multiple claimants for the throne and a succession crisis
• What does the term "succession" refer to in the context of this lesson?

  It refers to who becomes the next king
• What were the acceptable reasons for becoming the next king in 11th century Saxon England?

  • Being a blood relative
  • Being chosen as an heir by the previous king
  • Being accepted as king by the English nobles
• What difficulties could arise from being a blood relative in the line of succession?

  There could be no suitable heirs if the children were too young or if the eldest was not chosen
• What complications could arise from being chosen as an heir?

  If the king offered the throne to multiple people, it could lead to disputes
• Why was acceptance by the English nobles important in the succession process?

  Acceptance by nobles was crucial for legitimacy, but it did not guarantee acceptance from other European powers
• Who were the four main claimants to the throne after Edward the Confessor died?

  Harold Godwinson, Edgar Atheling, Harald Hardrada, and William of Normandy
• What was Edgar Atheling's claim to the throne?

  He was the only blood relative of Edward the Confessor
• What was the significance of Harald Hardrada's claim?

  He claimed the throne based on a promise made to his father by King Knut
• Why was William of Normandy referred to as "William the Bastard"?

  Because he was born to parents who were not married
• What was William of Normandy's claim to the throne?

  He claimed that Edward the Confessor had offered him the throne
• What should students do to prepare for the exam question about the succession crisis in 1066?

  • Explain why there was a succession crisis
  • Use a PEAL paragraph structure
  • Include specific examples and links back to the question
  • Aim for a 12-mark answer with accurate knowledge and analysis
• What is the recommended time to spend on a 12-mark exam question?

  About 18 to 20 minutes
• What was one reason for the succession crisis mentioned in the example answer?

  Edward the Confessor had no children, leading to multiple claimants
• How did Harald Hardrada's alliance with Tostig Godwinson contribute to the succession crisis?

  It gave Hardrada the power to invade England and challenge for the throne
• What was the overall conclusion regarding the succession crisis in the example answer?

  The most important reason for the crisis was that Edward had no son and heir
• What is the significance of linking back to the question in an exam answer?

  It ensures that the response directly addresses the question asked
• What is the purpose of the writing frame provided for the exam question?

  To help structure the answer effectively
• What does the term "PEAL" stand for in the context of writing exam answers?

  Point, Evidence, Analysis, Link
• Why is it important to include specific examples in an exam answer?

  Specific examples strengthen the argument and demonstrate knowledge
• What was the role of the Pope in William of Normandy's claim?

  He claimed to have the Pope's backing for his claim to the throne
• How did the Normans use the Bayeux Tapestry to their advantage?

  They included biased depictions to discredit Harold's claim
• What was the significance of Harold Godwinson's military leadership?

  It made him a popular choice for king among the English nobles
• What does "Harald Hardrada" mean in Old Norse?

  Harsh ruler
• What was the impact of Edward the Confessor's illness on the succession crisis?

  His prolonged illness led to uncertainty about the succession
• How did the lack of clear succession rules contribute to the crisis?

  It led to multiple interpretations of who could rightfully claim the throne
• What was the role of the English nobles in the succession process?

  They had to accept the chosen king for legitimacy
• What was the relationship between Tostig Godwinson and Harold Godwinson?

  Tostig was Harold's brother
• Why was Harold Godwinson's popularity significant in the context of the succession crisis?

  His popularity made him a strong candidate for the throne
• How did the claims of multiple candidates lead to conflict in 1066?

  Each claimant was prepared to fight to enforce their claim, leading to war
• What was the significance of the term "the Godwin family" in the context of the lesson?

  The Godwin family was a powerful noble family in England during this period
• What was the outcome of the succession crisis of 1066?

  It led to the Norman Conquest of England
• How did the Bayeux Tapestry serve as a historical source?

  It provides a biased account of the events surrounding the succession crisis
• What role did the concept of royal blood play in the succession crisis?

  It was one of the criteria for claiming the throne, but not the only one
• What was the significance of the phrase "the nearest living relative" in the context of succession?

  It refers to the traditional method of determining the next monarch
• How did the claims of Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy differ?

  Harold claimed to be chosen by Edward, while William claimed Edward promised him the throne