Claimants to the throne in 1066
I can explain why there was a succession crisis in 1066.
Claimants to the throne in 1066
I can explain why there was a succession crisis in 1066.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- There were four claimants to the throne in 1066.
- Harold Godwinson had the support of the Witan.
- William of Normandy claimed to have been promised the throne by Edward the Confessor.
- Harald Hardrada claimed a historical right to the throne.
- Edgar the Aetheling was Edward the Confessor's closest living relative.
Common misconception
After a monarch dies, their eldest child automatically becomes monarch after them.
In Anglo-Saxon England an heir was always in a strong position, but even if there was an heir, the Witan could use their influence for someone else to be made monarch - if, for example, the heir was too young.
Keywords
Claimant - a claimant is a person who declares their belief that something belongs to them or that they have a right to it
Succession crisis - a succession crisis occurs when there is no clear heir to a position
Mercenary - a mercenary is a soldier who fights for any country or group that pays them
Legitimacy - legitimacy means that something can be proved to be right by law or according to customs
Aethling - in Anglo-Saxon England, an aethling was a prince of royal blood
Content guidance
- Contains subject matter which individuals may find upsetting.
- Contains conflict or violence.
Supervision
Adult supervision suggested.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a person who declares their belief that they have a right to something
a soldier who fights for any country or group that pays them
In Anglo Saxon England, this was a prince of royal blood.