Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 2 The…
Full specification wording
Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 2 The last years of Edward the Confessor and the succession crisis: Harold Godwinson’s embassy to Normandy. The reasons for the rising against Tostig and his exile. The death of Edward the Confessor.
In 1064, Harold Godwinson undertook an embassy to Normandy.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In 1064, Harold Godwinson undertook an embassy to Normandy. Norman sources claim he swore an oath on holy relics to support William's claim to the English throne, a crucial event William later used to justify his invasion. Meanwhile, Harold's brother Tostig faced a severe uprising in Northumbria in 1065. The rising against Tostig was triggered by his heavy taxation, introduction of southern laws, and the assassination of local rivals. To prevent civil war, Harold sided with the rebels, resulting in Tostig's exile and creating a bitter feud between the brothers. This internal instability peaked with the death of the childless Edward the Confessor in January 1066, plunging England into a profound succession crisis.
What earns the marks
- Explain the Norman perspective of the 1064 embassy, focusing on Harold's alleged oath to support William's succession.
- Identify Tostig's harsh rule, excessive taxation, and failure to understand northern customs as primary reasons for the 1065 Northumbrian uprising.
- Analyse Harold's pragmatic decision to support the Northumbrian rebels against his own brother to maintain national stability.
- Describe how Edward the Confessor's death in January 1066 without a direct heir immediately triggered a succession crisis.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating the Norman account of the embassy as undisputed fact.
Put it right: Acknowledge that Anglo-Saxon and Norman sources differ on the purpose and nature of Harold's oath.
Claiming Tostig was exiled by William.
Put it right: State that Tostig was exiled by King Edward on the advice of Harold Godwinson and the Witan.
Stating Edward died in battle.
Put it right: Clarify that Edward died of natural causes in January 1066, leaving a disputed succession.
Exam tips
- Contrast Norman and Anglo-Saxon interpretations of the 1064 embassy to evaluate the reliability of historical sources.
- Link Tostig's exile directly to the events of 1066, as it explains why Tostig later allied with Harald Hardrada.
- Use the rising against Tostig to demonstrate Harold Godwinson's prioritisation of the kingdom's stability over his own family loyalty.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 2 The last years of Edward the Confessor and the succession crisis: Harold Godwinson’s embassy to Normandy. The reasons for the rising against Tostig and his exile. The death of Edward the Confessor. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was the primary cause of the Northumbrian uprising against Earl Tostig Godwinson in 1065?
Listen
In 1064, Harold Godwinson undertook an embassy to Normandy. Norman sources claim he swore an oath on holy relics to support William's claim to the English throne, a crucial event William later used to justify his invasion. Meanwhile, Harold's brother Tostig faced a severe uprising in Northumbria in 1065. The rising against Tostig was triggered by his heavy taxation, introduction of southern laws, and the assassination of local rivals. To prevent civil war, Harold sided with the rebels, resulting in Tostig's exile and creating a bitter feud between the brothers. This internal instability peaked with the death of the childless Edward the Confessor in January 1066, plunging England into a profound succession crisis. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explain the Norman perspective of the 1064 embassy, focusing on Harold's alleged oath to support William's succession. Identify Tostig's harsh rule, excessive taxation, and failure to understand northern customs as primary reasons for the 1065 Northumbrian uprising. Analyse Harold's pragmatic decision to support the Northumbrian rebels against his own brother to maintain national stability. Describe how Edward the Confessor's death in January 1066 without a direct heir immediately triggered a succession crisis. A common slip: Treating the Norman account of the embassy as undisputed fact. Instead, acknowledge that Anglo-Saxon and Norman sources differ on the purpose and nature of Harold's oath. Exam tip: Contrast Norman and Anglo-Saxon interpretations of the 1064 embassy to evaluate the reliability of historical sources.
Put the events in order
Put these events in the order they happened, earliest first.
- 1. Harold Godwinson undertook an embassy to Normandy
- 2. Edward the Confessor died, plunging England into a succession crisis
- 3. Tostig faced a severe uprising in Northumbria
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Succession crisis
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Regional rebellion
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Oaths and loyalty
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Source interpretation
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Succession crisis
- The profound instability England faced when the childless Edward the Confessor died in January 1066 without a direct heir.
- Regional rebellion
- The severe uprising in Northumbria in 1065 against Tostig, triggered by his heavy taxation, introduction of southern laws and the assassination of local rivals.
- Oaths and loyalty
- Norman sources claim Harold swore an oath on holy relics to support William's claim, an event William later used to justify his invasion.
- Source interpretation
- Anglo-Saxon and Norman sources differ on the purpose and nature of Harold's oath, so the Norman account should not be treated as undisputed fact.
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