The Background: A Disputed Succession
The roots of William's invasion of England lie in a disputed succession following the death of King Edward the Confessor in January 1066. Edward had no direct heirs, and as a result, his death left a power vacuum in England. Three primary claimants emerged, each with their own argument for the throne.
- Harold Godwinson: The most powerful Anglo-Saxon noble, Harold was named King Edward’s successor on his deathbed. Harold had significant support from the English nobility and was crowned king shortly after Edward’s death.
- William, Duke of Normandy: William, a distant cousin of Edward the Confessor, claimed that Edward had promised him the throne years earlier. In addition, William argued that Harold had sworn an oath of fealty to him during a visit to Normandy, promising to support William’s claim to the English throne.
- Harald Hardrada, King of Norway: A fierce Viking warrior, Harald Hardrada also laid claim to the English throne, citing an agreement made between his predecessor, King Magnus, and the late King Harthacanute of England. Hardrada sought to invade England to claim the throne for himself.
While Harold Godwinson was the immediate successor, William and Hardrada each had their own reasons and methods for seeking to overthrow him. However, it was William's plan that ultimately succeeded, largely due to the meticulous preparation, political alliances, and military strength he assembled over the course of several years. shutdown123