Godwine and Harold II

The Viking Assault on England

  • England repeatedly attacked by Danish Vikings.

    • Suggested personal experience of Viking assault could be unpleasant.

    • King Ethelred the Unready characterized as unprepared for the Viking threat.

    • "Unready" derived from old Anglo-Saxon word 'reader' (counsel).

    • Implies both lack of counsel and preparedness.

Ethelred's Actions and Consequences

  • King Ethelred's panic leads to the massacre of Danes in London.

  • This triggers fierce vengeance from Swain Forkbeard, king of Denmark.

  • Final assault occurs in 1013 with Swain's invasion of Eastern England.

    • Swain ravages areas and returns to Denmark.

    • Swain returns in 1014 and continues devastation in England.

Leadership Transition

  • Ethelred's supporters desert him; council of Anglo-Saxon kings offers crown to Swain.

  • Swain accepts the crown but dies soon after.

  • Ethelred returns; confusion reigns over leadership.

Canute's Ascendancy

  • The crown is then offered to Canute, Swain's son.

  • Warfare ensues again until Canute's victory around 1016.

  • Canute, also called Knut, becomes king of England.

Canute's Background and Rule

  • Knut is the son of a Christian princess from Poland.

  • While uncertain if Knut was raised as a Christian, he embraces Christianity in rulership.

  • His marriage to Duke Richard the Fearless's daughter establishes ties with Anglo-Saxon royalty.

Legal Reforms and Governance

  • Early in his reign, Canute issues a charter for laws governing England.

  • Attempts made to create a cohesive law code for regions including Wessex and Mercia.

  • Maintained pre-existing Germanic structures while adapting and innovating governance.

  • Canute managed a vast empire, ruling without rivals in Scandinavia.

Pilgrimage to Rome

  • In 1027, Canute undertakes a pilgrimage to Rome, showcasing his Christian faith.

    • The pilgrimage indicates a period of peace and stability in England.

    • Engages with Pope John XIX; pivotal agreements on church matters are made.

    • Pope reduces fees during bishop changes; confirms English church laxity.

    • Requests that English pilgrims be exempt from tolls by other rulers.

Reflection and Atonement

  • Upon return, Canute seemingly wishes to atone for past actions.

  • Chronicle accounts him attempting to command the tide, which refuses, signifying humility.

  • Subsequently, he places his crown above a crucifix, indicating the recognition of Christ's authority.

Transition in Governance

  • Canute’s reign is characterized as deeply personal.

  • He dies relatively young; succession shows instability.

  • Harold I, known as Harold Harefoot, takes over but lacks Canute's judgment.

  • Harold is rumored to have been murdered or dies under unclear circumstances.

Continued Instability

  • Harold's administration declines; succession passes to Harthacnut.

  • Harthacnut faces difficulties similar to Harold, leading to further instability in governance.

The Dilemma of Kingship

  • With the death of Harthacnut, the Witan faces a pressing dilemma for leadership.

  • Historical context emphasizes the importance and expectation of kingship in governance.

  • Witan ultimately invites Edward, son of Ethelred.

Edward’s Character and Governance

  • Edward is described as pious and perhaps more scholarly than kingly.

  • His reign is heavily influenced by Earl Godwin, who marries his daughter to Edward.

  • Godwin becomes the real political power behind the throne, handling government affairs.

  • Edward's leadership remains distant from the operational aspects of governance.

Reform and Conflict within the Church

  • Under Edward, the English church drifts from Roman discipline, prompting concern from the church reformers of the era.

  • Edward’s Normans undermine Anglo-Saxon clergy; tension rises due to the influx of Norman bishops.

  • The late 1050s reveal unrest within England's polity and church governance.

Political Tensions and Earl Godwin

  • Godwin's family tensions surface after Eustace, the king’s brother-in-law, visits England.

  • Godwin’s refusal to appease results in conflict, summoning a near civil war.

Godwin's Departure and Return

  • Godwin is briefly exiled but returns, symbolizing the precarious balance of power.

  • King Edward's inability to govern without strong local leadership is highlighted.

Harold Godwinson's Ascendancy

  • Harold succeeds his father Godwin seamlessly, emphasizing continuity in leadership.

  • Harold efficiently manages governance and oversees campaigns in Scotland and Wales.

Conflict with Macbeth and Restoration of Malcolm

  • Earl Siward's campaign results in restoring Malcolm to the Scottish throne, reinforcing English authority.

Harold's Captivity and Political Maneuvering

  • Harold is captured by the Count of Pontieu but returns after swearing loyalty to Duke William of Normandy.

  • The oath to support William's claim to the English throne foreshadows future conflicts.

Conclusion

  • The historical narrative concludes with unresolved tensions surrounding English kingship and upcoming political dynamics leading to succession conflicts.