The claimants to the throne:

• Harold Godwinson

• Edward Aelthing

• Harald Hardrada

• William of Normandy

Criteria to be crowned king:

• be in the bloodline of the previous king

• be chosen by the previous king

• be chosen by the Witan

  Harold was crowned king on 6 January 1066

Responses to Harold’s coronation

• Edgar accepted the situation → he didn’t take action against Harold

• Hardrada had been fighting a war with the Danes → no immediate action taken

• William immediately started planning an invasion (he believed he had a right to the throne)

  • Norman version: Edward had promised William the crown in 1051 → 1064 Edward sent Harold to Normandy to confirm the promise → Harold had to swear an oath of loyalty to William → Harold spent time hunting and fighting with William

  • English version: Harold was blown away to Normandy on a fishing boat and he had to swear an oath of loyalty before leaving // monk said that Harold went on his own free will because Harold’s relatives were being held hostage

William’s preparation for invasion

• he sent his men to Rome to gain the support of the Pope

• Pope gave his full support after he was told Archbishop Stigand had crowned Harold

  • they were sent back with a papal banner to carry into battle to show God was on their side

• Norman vassals were obliged to fight for William

• Spring: building extra ships, moving food, armour, weapons, wine to the coast

• Summer: foot soldiers, archers, knights, horses sent to a camp in Dives-sur-Mer

• invasion ready by early August