Normans 1.1

When did Edward the Confessor die?

• 24th December 1065

• 5th January 1066

• 14th October 1066

• 6th January 1067

Answer explanation

Edward the Confessor died on 5th January 1066, marking the end of his reign. The other dates listed are incorrect, with 24th December 1065 being before his death and the others occurring after.

Why was Edward the Confessor’s death a problem for England?

• He had promised the throne to the Danes

• He died without a clear, uncontested heir

• His son was too young to rule

• The Witan had already elected a new king

Answer explanation

Edward the Confessor's death created a crisis because he left no clear, uncontested heir. This uncertainty led to disputes over the throne, ultimately resulting in conflict and instability in England.

What was the Witan?

• The Anglo-Saxon navy

• Edward’s personal bodyguard

• A council of nobles who advised the king

• A Viking war band

Answer explanation

The Witan was a council of nobles who advised the king in Anglo-Saxon England, playing a crucial role in governance and decision-making, unlike a navy, bodyguard, or Viking band.

Who was chosen by the Witan to become king after Edward’s death?

• William of Normandy

• Harold Godwinson

• Edgar Aetheling

• Harald Hardrada

Answer explanation

After Edward's death, the Witan, a council of nobles, chose Harold Godwinson as king. He was a powerful noble and had the support of many influential figures, making him the preferred candidate over others like Edgar Aetheling.

Why was Harold Godwinson’s claim to the throne considered strong?

• He was an English noble and allegedly appointed by Edward on his deathbed

• He was related to Edward through his mother

• He had already ruled Normandy

• He had support from the Pope

Answer explanation

Harold Godwinson's claim was strong because he was an English noble and was allegedly appointed by King Edward on his deathbed, giving him a direct link to the throne and legitimacy in the eyes of the nobility.

Who claimed Edward had promised him the throne in 1051?

• William of Normandy

• Harald Hardrada

• Edgar Aetheling

• Harold Godwinson

Answer explanation

William of Normandy claimed that Edward the Confessor had promised him the English throne in 1051, which was a key factor in his later invasion of England.

Why did William of Normandy believe he had a right to the English throne?

• He was Edward’s son

• He was married to Harold’s sister

• Edward had allegedly promised him the crown, and Harold had sworn loyalty to him

• He had defeated the Danes

Answer explanation

William believed he had a right to the English throne because Edward the Confessor allegedly promised him the crown, and Harold Godwinson had sworn loyalty to him, which he interpreted as a claim to the throne.

How did William say Harold had supported his claim?

• Harold wrote him a letter of recommendation

• Harold had sworn an oath of loyalty to him

• Harold offered troops to invade England

• Harold crowned William king in Normandy

Answer explanation

William claimed Harold supported his claim by swearing an oath of loyalty to him, which was a significant act of allegiance and commitment.

What made Harald Hardrada’s claim to the English throne unusual?

• He had previously been king of England

• His claim was based on an old agreement between Viking rulers

• He was Edward’s cousin

• He had no army

Answer explanation

Harald Hardrada's claim was unusual because it was based on an old agreement between Viking rulers, rather than a direct lineage or previous kingship, setting it apart from typical claims to the throne.

Which previous agreement did Hardrada base his claim on?

• The Treaty of Dover

• A supposed promise between Harthacnut and Magnus of Norway

• The Witan’s declaration of 1051

• Edward’s will

Answer explanation

Hardrada based his claim on a supposed promise between Harthacnut and Magnus of Norway, which suggested a prior agreement regarding succession, making it the correct choice among the options.