Why harald hardrada should not be king

It seems possible that Edward wanted an Anglo-Saxon prince to succeed him. Political realities Harold Godwinson - Harold succeeded his powerful father as Earl of Wessex in , giving him control over all of Southern England. William - William was an ambitious and powerful ruler in Normandy. He wanted to build up his power, so the Normans could have a great empire, like their Viking ancestors.

Harald Hardrada - Harald was a famous Viking warrior and skilled commander. He already had secure control over his own land. Edgar Atheling - Even though Edgar was the closest blood relative to Edward, he was only a teenager when Edward died. He was not considered strong enough to hold the kingdom together in Who had the strongest claim according to the different factors?

Promises All four claimants had some promise that they believed gave them a right to the English throne. Family ties Edgar Atheling had the strongest blood tie — but blood ties were not essential for the succession to the English throne at this time. Political realities All the claimants had a strong degree of political power in , except for Edgar Atheling.

When the English king Edward the Confessor died on 5 January , no fixed procedures were in place to decide who should succeed him on the throne. The Witan a spreme council of wise men had to make the decision, and they had four candidates to choose from. Harold Godwinson, powerful noble in England, a good soldier and a gifted politician.

Harold was born and bred in England and popular with ordinary people. He was son of Earl Godwin, the most powerful noble in England. Harold was a leading Saxon Lord and the brother of Edward's wife. He had won a number of battles for Edward. Harold was chosen by the Witan the King's council to succeed Edward the Confessor. He also said that it was Edward's dying wish that he, Harold, should have the crown There were no witnesses to Edward saying this.

Harold did not have a direct blood link to the king. He was not of royal birth. The real Harold would have had long hair. William was a distant cousin of Edward the Confessor and wanted to be the next king. He claimed that both Edward and Harold had promised him the throne , but English supporters of Harold challenged this.

Edward stayed in Normandy until he became King of England in Edward invited William of Normandy to his court in and supposedly promised to make him heir. What happened to Earl Tostig? Who died in ? Why was there a rising against Earl Tostig? Why was the Godwin family so powerful? What problem was left when Edward the Confessor died? What did Edward the Confessor died of? How did King Edward died in ? What if Harald Hardrada conquered England?

Does the House of Wessex still exist? Which family was the most powerful in England by the s? Who had the strongest claim to the throne in ? What were Harolds trained soldiers called? How many untrained peasants could Harold call upon?