Year 10 - History
Claimants to the throne in 1066
British depth study: Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88
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Study Guides
This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils study an aspect of British medieval history in depth. They learn about the social, economic, religious and political events that influenced the lives of those who lived in this period.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain why there was a succession crisis in 1066.
Key Notes
- There were four claimants to the throne in 1066.
- Harold Godwinson had the support of the Witan.
- William of Normandy claimed to have been promised the throne by Edward the Confessor.
- Harald Hardrada claimed a historical right to the throne.
- Edgar the Aetheling was Edward the Confessor's closest living relative.
Vocabulary To Learn
- claimant: a claimant is a person who declares their belief that something belongs to them or that they have a right to it
- succession crisis: a succession crisis occurs when there is no clear heir to a position
- mercenary: a mercenary is a soldier who fights for any country or group that pays them
- legitimacy: legitimacy means that something can be proved to be right by law or according to customs
- aethling: in Anglo-Saxon England, an aethling was a prince of royal blood
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- After a monarch dies, their eldest child automatically becomes monarch after them.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Summarise this historical learning in two key ideas.
There were four claimants to the throne in 1066. Harold Godwinson had the support of the Witan.
2. Define this history term and explain why it matters in this topic. 'claimant'
a claimant is a person who declares their belief that something belongs to them or that they have a right to it.
3. Correct this common history misconception using evidence language.
Mistake: After a monarch dies, their eldest child automatically becomes monarch after them. Correction: In Anglo-Saxon England an heir was always in a strong position, but even if there was an heir, the Witan could use their influence for someone else to be made monarch - if, for example, the heir was too young.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Anglo-Saxon society Study Guide
- Bishop Odo of Bayeux Study Guide
- Change and continuity in Norman England Study Guide
- Earldoms and local government in Anglo-Saxon England Study Guide
- Edward the Confessor and the House of Godwin Study Guide
- Motte-and-bailey castles Study Guide
- Reasons for William's victory at the Battle of Hastings Study Guide
- Rewarding followers and the Marcher earldoms Study Guide
- The Anglo-Norman Church Study Guide
- The Anglo-Saxon economy and the role of the Church Study Guide
- The Anglo-Saxon monarchy Study Guide
- The Battle of Hastings Study Guide
- The battles of Gate Fulford and Stamford Bridge Study Guide
- The feudal system in Norman England Study Guide
- The Harrying of the North Study Guide
- The legacy of Anglo-Saxon resistance Study Guide
- The Norman aristocracy Study Guide
- The Northern and East Anglian rebellions Study Guide
- The revolt of the earls in 1075 Study Guide
- The significance of Domesday Book Study Guide
- The submission of the earls in 1066 Study Guide
- The uprising against Earl Tostig Godwinson Study Guide
- William I and his successors Study Guide
Browse all guides in the Year 10 History guide library.