Fight for the Throne

• Why was Harold Godwinson in line for the throne?

  • Brother in law to Edward
• Why was Harold Godwinson in line to the throne?

  • Brother in Law to Edward
  • "Deputy King" from 1060 onwards
  • Had support from Witan
  • Showed loyalty to Edward, even over his own brother Tostig
  • Claimed Edward gave him the throne on his deathbed
• Why was Edgar the Aetheling in line for the throne?

  • Had blood relation
  • Edward saw him as his own son
  • Had support from many Earls
• Why was Edgar the Aetheling disadvantaged?

  • Lacked experience
  • Too young...
  • ...so couldn't challenge Godwinson
• Why was William Duke of Normandy in line for the throne?

  • Ruthless leader
  • Distant cousin of Edward
  • Edward grew up in Normandy and had a similar ruling to a Norman. Historians believed he wanted a Norman King to succeed him
  • William claimed Harold made an Oath to him
• Why was Harald Hardrada in line for the throne?

  • Very strong Viking Leader
  • Due to Edward having no heir - Harald thought the person who had the closest relation to the previous king; would take the throne
  • Cnut's son, Harthcnut, told Harald's father Magnus that he was in line to the throne. Harald thought he belonged to the throne through his Dad