How King Harold Lost to William of Normandy?

How King Harold Lost to William of Normandy?

  • Submitted By: lholve
  • Date Submitted: 11/08/2009 4:46 PM
  • Category: History Other
  • Words: 984
  • Page: 4
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DID WILLIAM WIN THE BATTLE OF HASTINGS OR DID HAROLD LOOSE IT?

In this piece of work I am going to explain how King Harold lost to William of Normandy on the 14th October 1066.

Edward the Confessor was the father of Harold below is a copy of his family tree

[pic]

Edward the Confessor succeeded to the English throne in 1042 and re-established the Anglo- Saxon dynasty after the Danish dynasty. Having been brought up in Normandy, he spoke French and had learnt French customs and culture. When he came to England, he tried to impose the French influence on the English and replaced many of his advisers with French supporters and friends. This was counterbalanced by the power of his English father-in-law, Earl Godwin. Harold was in fact the brother in law of Edward the Confessor
Edward died without a successor. Duke William of Normandy claimed Edward had named him successor some years previously. Harold Godwinson, Earl Godwin's son, claimed that words uttered by Edward to him on his deathbed nominated himself as his successor. The Witan, a council of chief advisers, noblemen and churchmen, were responsible for choosing a successor to the throne. If the king had children, the first born son would often inherit the throne with the Witan's approval but, if the king died childless, the Witan selected the successor. It was the Witan who elected Harold as king.
Harold during his reign as King of England faced threats from many sides.
His brother Tostig up North in Norhumberland, Harold Hadrada of Norway both posed serious threats to Harold. Harold Hadrada the more serious as he lay claim to the crown of England whereas Tostig who had been ousted from Northumberland. Tostig and Harold Hadrada formed an alliance, and posed a direct threat to Harold.
Meanwhile William of Normandy had been increasing his strength both militarily and politically.
Whether it was because he believed Edward the Confessor had named him as his successor, or because he felt he could...

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