Claimant 1: Harold Godwinson
Who Was He?
Harold Godwinson was the Earl of Wessex and the most powerful noble in England.
Strengths of His Claim
- Chosen by the Witan
- Experienced military leader
- English noble with strong support in England
- Brother-in-law of Edward the Confessor
Weaknesses of His Claim
- Not related to Edward by blood
- William claimed Harold had sworn an oath to him
- Some people believed Harold seized power too quickly
Claimant 2: William, Duke of Normandy
Who Was He?
William was the Duke of Normandy in northern France.
Strengths of His Claim
- Claimed Edward had promised him the throne
- Claimed Harold swore an oath to support him
- Supported by the Pope
- Strong military leader
Weaknesses of His Claim
- Foreign ruler
- Had never ruled England
- Relied on invasion to become king
Claimant 3: Harald Hardrada
Who Was He?
Harald Hardrada was the King of Norway and a feared Viking warrior.
Strengths of His Claim
- Claimed an earlier agreement gave Norway rights to England
- Experienced and successful warrior
- Led a large Viking army
Weaknesses of His Claim
- Very weak connection to Edward
- Foreign king
- Little support inside England
Claimant 4: Edgar Aetheling
Who Was He?
Edgar Aetheling was Edward the Confessor’s great-nephew.
Strengths of His Claim
- Closest blood relative to Edward
- Anglo-Saxon noble
Weaknesses of His Claim
- Only a teenager
- No military experience
- No powerful army or supporters