Rival Claimants to the Throne

Edward the Confessor died in 1066, he had no children and the oldest blood relative could take up the throne was 14 year old Edgar Aethling. Harold Godwinson was already the most powerful nobleman in England and he had himself crowned King of England the day after Edward died. He said that it was convenient to do so as the Witan were already assembled in London. However, some people think he was worried that others might try and take the throne if he didn't act quickly, hence the overnight decision.

Harold Godwinson

Harold was already a leading English noble: incredibly wealthy and powerful. He had shown himself capable of keeping order in England (putting down the rebellion in Wales). He was Kind Edward's brother-in-law (Edward was married to Harold's sister). Harold was widely supported and respected within England giving him a good chance of success as King of England. He claims that Edward appointed him to be his successor and this was said to be supported by witnesses. He had himself crowned King of England when Edward died, this was unopposed by other nobles.

Edgar Aethling

Edgar is Kind Edward's nephew and so it the only contender with a direct bloodline to Edward. Aethiling is a title meaning 'Prince' of royal blood. Edgar had been brought to England in 1054 by Edward and Harold with his father, Edgar's Father died though and this left Edgar in Edward's care. Edgar was only a teenager when Edward died and the Witan did not want a young King of England at this time for fear it would leave England Weak. Edgar then was the only relative of…