The document discusses the succession crisis in England following the death of King Edward the Confessor in 1066, when there was no clear heir to the throne. There were three main contenders: Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex; William, Duke of Normandy; and Harald Hardraada, King of Norway. It provides arguments from each of the three men about why they should be king, including family ties, promises made, and military strength. Students are tasked with analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of each contender's claim, and deciding which one they think had the best claim to the English throne.

1. Three Men and a Crown 1066–1500 For more detailed instructions, see the Getting Started presentation. This icon indicates the slide contains activities created in Flash. These activities are not editable.

4. At the start of 1066, King Edward the Confessor was a sick old man. He would not live long. This would not normally be a problem – it would go to his son. However, Edward had no son – probably because he spent too much time in confession! Edward dies and no one knows who is the rightful heir – this could spell trouble! The problem of who will be king… When there is no son, the throne is up for grabs and anyone with any power can stake a claim. Who would be the next king?

5. There were three main rivals for the throne: Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex William, Duke of Normandy Harald Hardraada, King of Norway. and

6. Who were the rivals for the throne?

7. Your task On the following slides each man will tell you why he should be King of England in 1066 Think carefully about each case by completing the table and then decide who you think should be king.

9. Contestants Contestant Number 1 Harald Hardraada Contestant Number 2 William of Normandy Contestant Number 3 Harold Godwinson

10. Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex “ On his deathbed that wise King [Edward] had promised the Kingdom to Harold, a great noble. This was because Harold had always been loyal.” See! That was written by monks about my right to the throne! I am Harold, the Earl of Wessex, the most powerful nobleman in the country! I have run England for Edward, and have been a loyal warrior, and I am even his brother-in-law. But if you want more evidence, listen to what was written down about Edward’s last words…

11. In 1066, Harold was… Related to the king – his sister, Edith, was King Edward’s wife. Earl of Wessex A loyal warrior Harold – the obvious choice!

12. William, Duke of Normandy “ He [Edward] sent Harold to William to confirm his promise of the throne by an oath. When they came together, Harold swore loyalty to William”. Then again, I was holding Harold’s nephew hostage at the time! Harold! That man has no right to be king! Edward promised the throne to me in 1051 after I sent troops to England to help Edward fight Earl Godwinson (Harold’s father). Edward even lived in Normandy until he was made king. Edward did promise me the throne – read what William Poitiers wrote in 1071…

13. Harald Hardraada I am the other Harald! Of course I should be king! Harold is only a earl, William is a duke but me, I am a king! I am a Viking king and we used to run England. I have support in the north especially in York and I have a strong army of soldiers, think carefully!

14. In 1066 Harald Hardraada was King of Norway. He believed he had a right to the throne of England because Cnut had ruled Norway, Denmark and England from 1016 to 1035. King Cnut King of England 1016–35 King Harthacnut King of England 1040–42 King Magnus of Norway Harald Hardraada promises English throne to:

15. “ He [Tostig] sailed to Scotland with 12 ships and there Harald … met him … and Tostig submitted to him and promised to serve him” the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Harald also had the help of Tostig , Harold Godwinson’s brother who had been banished from England in 1065 and who wanted to get his lands back.

16. Three men and a crown: multiple-choice questions