Edward the Confessor

After Edward the Confessor died there were 4 main candidates who wanted to become King of England. These four people were known as claimants to the throne. These four people were: William of Normandy; Harold of Wessex; Harald Hardrada & Edgar Etheling. Every one of these four had their own reasons about why they should become King, but obviously only one of them could be.

Single Claims

Harold of Wessex

Harold of Wessex also known as Harold Godwinson was the most powerful nobleman in England. He was the Earl of Wessex, which was most of south England. He showed that he was a good war leader after he defeated King of Gwynedd, the most powerful man in Wales. Harold was the son of Earl Godwine of Wessex whom Edward relied on heavily in the early years of his reign. To keep Godwin’s support he married his daughter-Edith. During the last years of his reign, Edward spent most of his time hunting, praying or organising the building of Westminster Abbey. Harold practically ruled the country for him. It is said that on his deathbed Edward promised Harold the kingdom. This was because Harold was always loyal and had always listened to the King.

Harald Hardrada

Harald Hardrada was King of Norway and claimed that his father – Magnus – was promised the throne by King Harthacnut (king before Edward the confessor). He had a reputation for being a ruthless man and also for practicing ferocious ways of torture. Harald also had Harold’s brother Tostig on his side.

Edgar Etheling

Edgar Etheling was Edward the Confessor’s great-nephew and his closest relative still alive. Edgar was a descendant of the Anglo-Saxon’s most impressive king, Alfred the Great. Edgar had lived all his life in Hungary but was only 14 years old.

William of Normandy

William of Normandy was Duke of Normandy in Northern France. He was related to Edward the Confessor in that his great aunt was Edward’s mother. He claimed that during a visit to England in 1051, Edward promised him the throne. He also claimed that Edward sent Harold to Normandy to swear an oath that William would be the next king. According to William of Poitiers, Edward loved William as a son. According to the Bayeux Tapestry Harold swore an oath on holy relics of saints that William would be the next king.

Comparing Claimants

Harold of Wessex & Harald Hardrada

Harold had the advantage of being king over Harald Hardrada as he was the admired by other noblemen. Also many people in England liked him. He also had the advantage over Harald because not many people in England knew who Harald was, and those who did, hated him because of his fearsome torture. However Harald had the upper hand in that Harold’s brother Tostig was on his side. Harald also had the edge because he had superhuman strength which could defeat Harold’s army. However overall I think out of these two Harold had the better chance of being King.