Succession to Edward the Confessor.

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  • Succession to Edward the confessor.
    • Succession
      • William
        • Allegedly, according to Norman sources, promised the throne in 1051 when he visited England during the Godwin's exile.
        • First cousin once removed of Ed.
      • Harold
        • Named as heir on Ed's deathbed
        • Brother-in-law to Ed.
      • Edgar Atheling
        • Brought to court by Edward the confessor
        • Nephew of Edward the confessor, most direct blood claim.
      • Harald Hardrada
        • Very loose claim to the throne, Edwards predecessor and Magnus (Harald's co-ruler) had promised to be each others heirs.
      • Not a clear system of succession established if not a direct heir. So bound to cause issues.
        • Edward and Edith childless, Edward took oath of celibacy.
      • Edward and Edith childless, Edward took oath of celibacy.
    • Harold
      • Allegedly took oath swearing to support Williams claim to the throne in 1153/4 when he was captured on a trip to Europe.
        • When William found out about Harold's 'coup de etat', William called him a usurper and got the popes permission to invade.
      • Alienated Tostig in 1065 when Harold siding with Edward, exiled him after the people of Northumbria revolted against his corrupt governing.
        • Harold did it to gain more supporters and Edwards approval to help his claim to the throne.
    • Over mighty earls.
      • Godwin's most powerful family in England. Potentially richer than the king.
        • Control all earldoms but Mercia.
        • Power show by events of 1052, following the dover fracas in 1051, Godwin returned in 1052 with a large army, one that Ed couldn't compete with.
          • Ed was forced to return Godwin and his sons to their previous position and replace Robert of Jumeges (A.B of C)
        • After Godwin heavily backed Ed's claim to the throne he marries his Daughter, and gives Harold and Tostig earldoms of East Anglia and Northumbria respectively.
      • Considering the power of the godwins and that they had a claim to the throne it would be unlikely for them to not claim the throne.

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