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Anglo-Saxon and Norman England, c1060–88

The last years of Edward the Confessor and the succession crisis

  • 3 things to know
  • Paper 2 booklet B

Overview

The power of the house of Godwin, its exile and return, Harold Godwinson's rise, his visit to Normandy and the oath, the rising against Tostig, and Edward's death in January 1066.

What you need to know

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Key term

Why did Harold Godwinson go to Normandy in 1064?

Key term

Why did the Northumbrians rise against Tostig in 1065?

Key term

How did the rising against Tostig end?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Why was the house of Godwin the most powerful family in England by 1060?

    Model answer

    Its members held Wessex, East Anglia and Northumbria between them, and Godwin’s daughter Edith was married to the king.

  2. 2

    What happened to the Godwin family in 1051–52?

    Model answer

    Edward the Confessor exiled them after a quarrel, but they returned in 1052 with ships and men and forced him to restore their lands and titles.

  3. 3

    How and when did Harold Godwinson become Earl of Wessex?

    Model answer

    He inherited the earldom in 1053 on the death of his father Godwin.

  4. 4

    What made Harold Godwinson the leading man in England under Edward?

    Model answer

    As Earl of Wessex he was the richest noble, he led the king’s armies including the campaign in Wales in 1063, and he ran much of the government.

  5. 5

    Why did Harold Godwinson go to Normandy in 1064?

    Model answer

    Accounts differ: Norman writers say Edward sent him to confirm the succession, while others suggest he was shipwrecked or went to free hostages held there.

  6. 6

    What did the Normans claim Harold Godwinson did while he was in Normandy?

    Model answer

    That he swore a solemn oath on holy relics to support William’s claim to the English throne.

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