Edward the Confessor:

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Edward the Confessor

• Ascends to the throne aged 37 in 1042.
• Known as a bachelor king.
• King Cnut had died aged 37.
• Married Edith, Godwines daughter in 1045 but was
  unable to conceive.
• Marriage seen more as relationship of a father
  and daughter.
• He even put her in a nunnery at one point!

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The next king?

• Much of Edwards reign was dominated by the
  succession.
• Edward died on 4 January 1066 with no direct heir
  to the throne but he did nominate a successor . .
  .

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Criteria for the next king

• Male
• Adult! One of the main candidates was only 14.
• Royal kinship was important the majority of
  Kings since Arthur had been a son of the King of
  England.
• Attitude of leading Churchmen was important
  (especially for coronation).
• Views of the Earls and other royal officers was
  important.
• Other influences maternal family, tennants and
  regional support.

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Criteria for the next king

• Most potent of all (Higham) was Royal
  Nomination.
• Kings normally named close relatives (and sons if
  possible).
• The old Kings preference had the most weight of
  any criteria.

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The Candidates
Harald Hardraada
Harold Godwineson
Edgar The Atheling.
William of Normandy
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Task

• Working in groups of 3, use pages 48-53 to find
  out why the 4 candidates claimed the throne in
  1066.
• Split the work up and share what you find.
• Make notes in a table under these headings (3 or
  4 bullet points for each candidates claim)

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Conclusion

• The events of 1066 were sparked by a crisis over
  the succession.
• Each candidate had a viable claim to the throne.
• Think about who had the strongest claim.
• Harald Hardraada, Harold Godwineson and William
  of Normandy each had powerful armies at their
  disposal.
• None of these 3 would give up their claims
  without a fight.

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Homework

• Aim to practice source skills.
• Task
• How far do sources 1-7 support the view that
  William, Duke of Normandy had the strongest claim
  to the throne in 1066? (10 marks).
• You should write 1-2 sides of A4.
• Think about which claim the sources support /
  undermine.
• Write in paragraphs, with an introduction to the
  issue, supporting evidence from the sources and a
  conclusion answering the question.
• Deadline Wednesday 13th September.