Anglo-Saxon England and the House of Godwin

Social and Administrative Structure

  • Hierarchy: The King sits at the top, followed by nobles (the most important being Earls), and then Thanes.
  • Key Noble Houses: Two major families dominate the ruling class: the House of Godwin (controlling most of the South Of England) and the House of Leofric (controlling most of the North Of England).
  • The Witan: An advisory council composed of bishops and earls that supports and, at times, exerts power over the king.
  • Religion: Anglo-Saxon England is a Christian country, no longer pagan.

Demographics and Wealth

  • Population: Approximately 2,000,000 people live in the kingdom; the North is sparsely populated while the South is densely populated.
  • Economy: A wealthy country with a sophisticated coinage system featuring the king's head.
  • International Trade: Historical evidence shows trade with Arabic countries, Scandinavian countries, the Mediterranean, and North Africa.

The Reign of Edward the Confessor

  • Character: Known as the confessor, Edward is a deeply religious man whose commitment to faith often outweighed his commitment to kingship.
  • Norman Roots: After King Canute took the throne in 10/16, Edward and his brother Alfred were sent to Normandy. Edward grew up in the French court of his mother’s family (Emma of Normandy).
  • The Godwin Conflict: Tensions rose when Edward appointed Norman nobles to positions of authority. This led to the temporary exile of Earl Godwin and his sons.
  • Political Settlement: After returning with military force, Godwin was forgiven and Edward married Godwin's daughter, Edith Godwin, though power shifted significantly toward the Godwin family.

Succession and the Rise of Harold Godwinson

  • Subregulus: Harold Godwinson, the eldest son of Godwin, became the "subregulus" or deputy king, acting in the interests of the state.
  • Northern Loyalty: Harold secured the loyalty of the northern nobles by siding with Morcar and the northern thanes against his own incompetent brother, Tostig, resulting in Tostig's exile.
  • Claims to the Throne: Due to Edward’s lack of an heir, multiple parties held potential claims, including the Duke of Normandy and the thrones of Denmark and Norway (connected via King Canute).
  • Death of the King: Edward the Confessor died on 01/05/1066, leaving a power vacuum.