succession crises, 1066

• what did edward not have when he died

  an heir x

  rip deadward
• what is succession

  what comes next, so monarch
• what were reasons to be an heir to the throne

  being a blood relative

  being chosen as a heir by the previous king

  being accepted as king by the english nobles (witan)
• harold godwinson

  earl of wessex and sussex

  chosen by the witan

  claims he was promised the throne by edward

  likely to have sworn an oath to support william's claim

  member of the house of godwin
• edgar the aethling

  blood relative of edward (nephew)

  he was young

  inexperienced to lead armies in war

  little experience of ruling
• harald hardrada

  king of norwegians

  ferocious viking warrior

  commands a very powerful army

  allied with tostig who claimed the english would welcome him as king

  he intends to invade england to expand his power, wealth and lands

  promise made to his father by cnut that he should be king but he wasn't able to pursue
• william of normandy

  duke of normandy

  experienced and ruthless leader

  experienced in battle, led a modern army of mixed troops with innovative tactics

  claimed edward had promised him the throne

  claims harold swore an oath to support him

  claims he is backed by the pope

  has gathered an invation force with several allies