How long did harold godwinson rule england

Edward probably did promise Harold the throne at some point after William claimed that Edward had promised that he should succeed him as King of England. In Harold Godwinson made a trip to Normandy, and William claimed that he also promised that William could succeed to the English throne. Harald claimed the Kingdom of Denmark as part of the legacy of Magnus. In Harald gave up trying to secure Denmark and switched to claiming England because of the earlier Anglo-Danish kingdom.

In Tostig Godwinson invited Harald to join him in rebelling against his brother Harold Godwinson to secure the English throne. It seems possible that Edward wanted an Anglo-Saxon prince to succeed him. Political realities Harold Godwinson - Harold succeeded his powerful father as Earl of Wessex in , giving him control over all of Southern England.

William - William was an ambitious and powerful ruler in Normandy. He wanted to build up his power, so the Normans could have a great empire, like their Viking ancestors. Harald Hardrada - Harald was a famous Viking warrior and skilled commander. He already had secure control over his own land.

One of the most powerful and wealthy figures of Anglo-Saxon England, Godwin was sent into exile by King Edward the Confessor in , but returned 2 years later with the support of the navy. Harold had 6 brothers and 4 sisters. His sister Edith married King Edward the Confessor. Four of his brothers went on the become earls, which meant that, by , all the earldoms of England but Mercia were ruled by sons of Godwin. Harold became Earl of East Anglia in , succeeded his father as Earl of Wessex in , and then added Hereford to his territories in Harold had become arguably more powerful than the King of England himself.

He undertook a successful campaign against Gruffydd ap Llewelyn in However, some historians believe this story was fabricated by the Normans to legitimise their invasion of England. Harold defeated a large Viking army under the command of Harald Hardrada, after taking them by surprise. Harold married Edith the Fair also known as Edith Swanneck. Harold and his family returned to England at the head of an army.

King Edward was unable to raise a force that would defeat them and was forced to sue for peace terms. It was agreed that the Godwin family could return and their former lands would be restored to them.

On September 25, Harold met them at Stamford Bridge and defeated and killed them both. Three days later, William landed in England at Pevensey. Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search.