Norman England 1066-1100

The Causes of the Norman Conquest

Edward never enjoyed full control of his kingdom due to the power of the Godwin family.
Edward was half-brother of King Harthecanute. In 1041, Harthacanute invited Edward to become King, probably because he was ill.
In 1041, Edward took over as King of England. He needed the support of the powerful Godwin family.
In 1051, the Godwins rebelled against Edward. Although Edward survived the rebelled, the Godwins kept their powerful positions.
After the rebellion, Edward named William, the Duke of Normandy, as his successor (the person who should take over King after he died).
However, the Godwins continued to grow in power. By 1057 they controlled earldoms in every part of England except Mercia.
In the late 1050's, Harold Godwinson (Earl Godwin's son) was made sub-regulus (which meant he could rule in the Kings place).

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Edward died in January 1066. He had no hier to the throne.
Edgar Aetheling was Edward's closest blood relative, but he was only fourteen years old and did not have much support or military experience.
Harold Godwinson made himself King. He made this official (ina coronation or crowning ceremony) the day after Edward's death.
Harold was the richest man in England. Harold was a skilful military leader. He also had the support of the Witan (the King's council).
Harold also claimed that, just before he died, Edward said he wanted Harold to be the next king.

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William was a distant cousin of Edward. However, he was illegitimate (his father was the Duke of Normandy, but his mother was not the Duke's wife)
There had been strong trade links between England and Normandy since the 990's. Normandy had also helped England against the Viking threat.
Edward had grown up in Normandy. When the Godwins rebelled in 1051, William had sent soldiers to help Edward deal with the rebellion.
In 1064, Harold had travelled to Normandy and sworn an oath (a promise) to support William's claim to the throne.
William was also a powerful warrior who had won many battles.

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Harold Hardraada believed that he had a claim to the English throne because of a promise made to his father.
By 1066 Hardraada was an experienced ruler. He was a famous warrior.
He was supported by Tostig Godwinson (one of Harold's brothers).
Many people in the north of England had Scandinavian (the area where the Vikings came from) roots and so might have supported a Viking King.

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