Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 3 The…
Full specification wording
Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 3 The rival claimants for the throne: The motives and claims of William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada and Edgar the Aethling.
Following Edward's death, three major figures claimed the throne alongside Harold Godwinson.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 1 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Following Edward's death, three major figures claimed the throne alongside Harold Godwinson. William of Normandy's claim rested on a supposed promise made by Edward in 1051 and Harold's 1064 oath of allegiance. His motive was to expand Norman power and secure what he believed was his divine right. Harald Hardrada, the fearsome Viking King of Norway, based his claim on a secret treaty between previous kings (Harthacnut and Magnus), motivated by a desire to recreate the North Sea Empire. Edgar the Aethling had the strongest hereditary claim as Edward's great-nephew and the last male of the royal house of Wessex. However, his youth and lack of military backing meant the Witan bypassed him in favour of a strong military leader.
What earns the marks
- Detail William of Normandy's claim, focusing on the alleged 1051 promise by Edward and the 1064 oath sworn by Harold.
- Explain Harald Hardrada's claim, tracing it back to the agreement between Harthacnut and King Magnus of Norway.
- Identify Edgar the Aethling's claim as purely hereditary, being the closest blood relative to Edward the Confessor.
- Analyse the motives of the claimants, contrasting William's desire for expansion with Hardrada's ambition to rebuild a Viking empire.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing Harald Hardrada with Harold Godwinson.
Put it right: Use their full names to distinguish the Norwegian king from the Anglo-Saxon earl.
Assuming Edgar the Aethling had no claim.
Put it right: Recognise that Edgar had the strongest blood claim but lacked the political and military power to enforce it.
Stating William's claim was based on blood.
Put it right: Clarify that William's claim was based on a prior promise and an oath, not a direct bloodline to Edward.
Exam tips
- Create a clear comparison of the three claimants by categorising their claims into 'blood', 'promise', and 'treaty'.
- When discussing Edgar the Aethling, explain why the Witan rejected him (age and lack of military strength) to show understanding of Anglo-Saxon political priorities.
- Mention Tostig's role in encouraging Harald Hardrada's invasion to link the claimants to earlier domestic conflicts.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option B1: Key topic 1: Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest, 1060–66 - 3 The rival claimants for the throne: The motives and claims of William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada and Edgar the Aethling. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was the primary basis for Edgar the Aethling's claim to the English throne in 1066?
Listen
Following Edward's death, three major figures claimed the throne alongside Harold Godwinson. William of Normandy's claim rested on a supposed promise made by Edward in 1051 and Harold's 1064 oath of allegiance. His motive was to expand Norman power and secure what he believed was his divine right. Harald Hardrada, the fearsome Viking King of Norway, based his claim on a secret treaty between previous kings (Harthacnut and Magnus), motivated by a desire to recreate the North Sea Empire. Edgar the Aethling had the strongest hereditary claim as Edward's great-nephew and the last male of the royal house of Wessex. However, his youth and lack of military backing meant the Witan bypassed him in favour of a strong military leader. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Detail William of Normandy's claim, focusing on the alleged 1051 promise by Edward and the 1064 oath sworn by Harold. Explain Harald Hardrada's claim, tracing it back to the agreement between Harthacnut and King Magnus of Norway. Identify Edgar the Aethling's claim as purely hereditary, being the closest blood relative to Edward the Confessor. Analyse the motives of the claimants, contrasting William's desire for expansion with Hardrada's ambition to rebuild a Viking empire. A common slip: Confusing Harald Hardrada with Harold Godwinson. Instead, use their full names to distinguish the Norwegian king from the Anglo-Saxon earl. Exam tip: Create a clear comparison of the three claimants by categorising their claims into 'blood', 'promise', and 'treaty'.
See it
Key words
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Legitimacy and succession
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Foreign policy and invasion
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Hereditary right vs military might
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Ambition and conquest
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See every definition
- Legitimacy and succession
- The basis on which a claimant asserted a right to the throne after Edward's death, resting on a promise, an oath, a treaty or blood.
- Foreign policy and invasion
- William's motive to expand Norman power and Hardrada's ambition to recreate the North Sea Empire, both pursued through claims to the English throne.
- Hereditary right vs military might
- Edgar the Aethling had the strongest hereditary claim as Edward's great-nephew, but his youth and lack of military backing meant the Witan bypassed him for a strong military leader.
- Ambition and conquest
- The claimants' motives, contrasting William's desire for expansion with Hardrada's ambition to rebuild a Viking empire.
Label the diagram
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1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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