Edward the Confessor's death and the claimants to the throne
I can explain why there was a succession crisis after the death of Edward the Confessor.
Edward the Confessor's death and the claimants to the throne
I can explain why there was a succession crisis after the death of Edward the Confessor.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 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.
Keywords
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 misconception
After a monarch dies, their eldest child automatically becomes monarch after them.
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.
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Edward the Confessor's death and the claimants to the throne, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 history lesson on: Edward the Confessor's death and the claimants to the throne, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 history lessons from the Norman England: why did William conquer England? unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
a person who declares their belief that they have a right to something
a soldier who fights for any country or group that pays them
In Anglo Saxon England, this was a prince of royal blood.