1. Harold Godwinson
Position in 1066: Earl of Wessex – the most powerful man in England.
History: His father created his fortune from a previous King. Rebelled against King Edward in 1051, forcing him to give in to his demands.
Connections with dead King Edward: Harold’s sister was married to Edward.
Achievements: Harold had been a good servant to King Edward. He almost ran England for him, without trying to take over. A good warrior, he defeated the Welsh King in 1063.
Support for his claim: Harold was the only Englishman claiming the throne. English Monks wrote: ‘Harold and his brothers were the King’s favorites... On his deathbed the wise king promised the kingdom to Harold.’
Harald Hardrada
Position in 1066: King of Norway
History: Harald had to run away from home at 15 after his brother – the King of Norway - was killed in battle. He fought in Greece for many years, making his fortune, and took the throne back to become King of Norway in 1045.
Connections with dead King Edward: None. Believed that because a previous King of Norway had ruled England, he could also do it.
Achievements: He was known as a giant and terrifying man and soldier, but was old as he had wasted many years fighting against the Danes trying to become the King of Denmark.
Support for his claim: Harald’s claim was supported by Tostig, Harold Godwinson’s brother. The two brothers had fallen out and Tostig wanted revenge.

2. Duke William of Normandy
Position in 1066: Ruler of Normandy – the strongest part of France.
History: He became ruler of Normandy when he was just a boy. He spent most of his life fighting to defend it. He was nicknamed William the Bastard because his father was not married to his mother when he was born.
Connections with dead King Edward: Edward had lived in Normandy for 30 years. Edward’s mother was William’s aunt. After William had helped Edward win a battle in 1051 Edward had promised him the throne!
Achievements: He was a skilled and vicious soldier. For three years between 1054 and 1057 he defeated many armies sent to invade his area of Normandy.
Support for his claim: According to a Norman writer’Edward King of of the English, loved William like a brother or son...so he decided that William should be the next king.’ Harold Godwinson had visited William in 1064 and promised to support William’s claim to the English crown.

3. Do you think this person would be a good king?
Candidate
Who was this person?
What was his claim to the throne?
Do you think this person would be a good king?
Harald Hadrada
Harold Godwinson
Duke William
Who has the best claim? 15