The succession crisis of 1066

• In January 1066, Edward the confessor died with no children and therefore no clear heir

• On his death bed he said that he wanted Harold Godwinson to be his successor

• Harold Godwinson claimed that he was appointed as the next king by Edward on his deathbed. He was also English, strengthening his claim to the throne

• Harold Godwinson was crowned the day after Edward's death with the support of the witan but no direct bloodline

• Edgar Aetheling was very young at the time Edward's death ( twelve to fifteen) but had a direct bloodline as his grandfather was Edward the Confessor's brother

• The witan rejected Edgar Aetheling's claim however he was not that interested in becoming the king as had little experience so accepted the situation

• Harold Hardrada had no direct bloodline with Edward but was powerful and had lots of experience, claiming that he was the successor as Harthacnut passed his claim to the English throne over to him

• The witan ignored the claim of Harold Hardrada and at the time of Edward's death he was occupied in war so had no immediate reaction

• William Duke of Normandy's Great Aunt was the queen of England and he was powerful and experienced, claiming that Edward chose him to be his successor in 1051 however his claim was ignored by the witan

Harold Godwinson was crowned King Harold ll by the Witan on 6 January 1066. His greatest support was in Wessex and the South of England. Earls in the North were independently minded and so often challenged the authority of the king

During his nine months as king, Harold took and army to the north of England to confront Edwin and Morcar, securing their loyalty by marrying their sister. As a result, Edwin and Morcar agreed to defend the north from any attack by Harald Hardrada. This meant that Harold could then assemble the army in the south to confront the threat of WIlliam