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Year 10 - History

Edward the Confessor's death and the claimants to the throne

British Depth Study: Norman England, c1066–c1100

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 after the death of Edward the Confessor.

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

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