When King Edward the Confessor died on January 5th, 1066, he left no children to inherit the throne. This led to a fierce power struggle, with multiple powerful figures claiming they were the rightful heir. Each contender’s story provides insight into the complex politics of the time and the dramatic events that led to the Battle of Hastings.
The Norman Claim: Duke William of Normandy
In the region of Normandy, across the English Channel, there was a powerful and ambitious man named William. Known as “Duke William,” he ruled Normandy with strength and determination. William was no stranger to England; he and Edward the Confessor had long-standing connections. Some even said that during his reign, Edward had promised William that he would one day inherit the English throne.
William took this promise very seriously, and to him, it was not just a casual remark but a vow. William claimed that Harold Godwinson, one of Edward’s trusted advisors, had even sworn a sacred oath to support his right to the throne. But when news reached Normandy that Harold had taken the throne for himself, William was outraged. He felt deeply betrayed and sought justice.
Determined to claim what he believed was rightfully his, William gathered his forces and sought the blessing of the Pope. The Pope’s support transformed his quest into a holy mission, and William prepared to cross the channel with his army. He would not only fight for the throne of England but do so with the backing of the church, making his campaign a “holy crusade.” In William’s eyes, he was England’s rightful king, and he was ready to go to battle to prove it.
The Viking Claim: Harald Hardrada of Norway
Far to the north, in the cold and rugged lands of Norway, there lived a fierce warrior-king named Harald Hardrada. Harald was a descendant of the legendary Viking King Canute, who once ruled over England, Denmark, and Norway. His bloodline connected him to the ancient Viking rulers of England, and he believed this gave him a rightful claim to the English throne.
The story of Harald’s claim began years before, with a promise between two kings. King Hardicanute, a former ruler of England, had made an agreement with Harald’s father, King Magnus of Norway. This pact stated that if either king died without an heir, the other would inherit his lands. When Hardicanute died, the throne had passed to Edward the Confessor, but Harald never forgot the promise. In his view, this agreement made him the rightful ruler of England.
Harald was not only a man of words but of action. Known as a formidable warrior with years of battle experience, he was ready to take England by force. Harald believed his Viking heritage and his strength as a ruler would win him the throne. He sailed to England, determined to claim his inheritance with sword and shield.
The Anglo-Saxon Claim: Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex
In England itself, the most powerful noble was Harold Godwinson, the Earl of Wessex. Harold had served as a loyal advisor to Edward the Confessor and was respected throughout the land as a skilled leader and a brave warrior. He was no stranger to the throne, having spent years protecting the kingdom and working closely with the king. Harold was also the brother of Edward’s wife, Edith, giving him a family connection to the late king.
According to Harold, when Edward lay on his deathbed, he entrusted his kingdom to Harold’s care, reportedly saying, “I commend my wife and all my kingdom to your care.” For Harold, this was a clear indication that Edward wanted him to be the next king. With the support of the Witan, a council of England’s most powerful nobles, Harold was crowned king shortly after Edward’s death.
But Harold’s claim was not without controversy. Years before, he had allegedly sworn an oath to support Duke William’s claim to the throne. Harold argued that he had been tricked into making this promise and that he did not owe William his loyalty. To Harold, his duty was to England, and he believed he was the best choice to lead his people against any foreign threats.
The Bloodline Claim: Edgar the Aetheling
Lastly, there was young Edgar the Aetheling. Edgar’s story was one of noble blood and high expectations. He was the grandson of Edmund Ironside, a former king of England, and a direct descendant of Alfred the Great, one of England’s most respected rulers. This royal lineage gave him a strong, legitimate claim to the throne, perhaps stronger than anyone else’s.
However, there was one major problem: Edgar was only ten years old. Though he had the bloodline, he lacked the experience, power, and strength needed to rule a kingdom facing potential invasions from the Normans and Vikings. The Witan, England’s council of nobles, hesitated to support him because they feared he was too young to defend the throne and protect the realm.
Edgar’s claim represented England’s deep ties to its Anglo-Saxon heritage. He may have been the rightful heir, but in a time of turmoil and conflict, his youth and inexperience worked against him. Without the support of the Witan or the military strength of other claimants, Edgar’s chances were slim. In the end, the throne would go to one who could lead and protect the kingdom in its most desperate hour.
The Importance of Wessex and Its Role in 1066
Wessex was a powerful kingdom in the South of England, historically the heartland of the Anglo-Saxons. This region had resisted Viking invasions for centuries, and its people were fiercely proud of their heritage. Wessex was home to Alfred the Great, who had defended England from Viking attacks and established a system of fortified towns called “Burhs” to protect the people. These Burhs became centers of trade, law, and community, helping Wessex grow in strength and influence.
Harold Godwinson, the Earl of Wessex, embodied this legacy. He was not only a powerful noble but a symbol of Anglo-Saxon pride and independence. His connection to Wessex gave him a strong base of support, especially among those who valued England’s Anglo-Saxon roots and wanted to keep the throne in English hands. Harold’s leadership in Wessex and his connection to its heroic past strengthened his claim to the throne in the eyes of many English people.
The Struggle for the Throne
Each of these claimants—William, Harald, Harold, and Edgar—believed they were the rightful ruler of England, each with different strengths and weaknesses. Their competing claims set the stage for one of the most famous battles in English history: the Battle of Hastings. This battle would decide who would sit on the throne and shape the future of England.
Think About It:
Who do you believe had the strongest claim? Consider each contender’s background, strengths, and what they symbolized for the people of England in 1066.