The England Invasion of 1066

In the year 1066 AD a dispute over the succession to the English throne occurred, because of a very unique situation. Edward the Confessor the King of England (1042-1066) died without any children to claim his throne. Moreover, because of this unique incident three people made claim to the English throne. This would cause a historical event, in 1066AD, the Norman Invasion and conquest of England.

Earl Harold Godwinson made a claim to the throne. One reason was Harold and Edward became brothers-in-law when the king married Harold's sister. Harold's powerful position, as an earl and his relationship to Edward and his support among his peers made him an understandable successor to the throne. His claim was also, strengthened when the dying Edward supposedly expressed that he had chosen Edward as the next King. In addition; the Witan a council of royal advisors, unanimously selected Harold as King. His coronation took place the same day as Edward was buried.

It is said part of the reason why the Witan quickness in choosing Harold was because of a fear that another invasion from Norway would occur. Which lead to the second rival of a second possible claim. Harold Hardrada, King

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The Battle of Hastings had a huge impact on the people, their culture, the way they were looked by other countries, and the England it self. For example, in the previous system of law, the Earls of England held near equal importance to the king. He landed his troops and through battle the English line gave away and King Harold fell. Hardrada fell and then the King's brother, Tostig fell also. The Normans brought with them a new system of government, a freshly renovated culture, and most important a new language. Another major change from the result of the battle was the new culture and language adopted. This did not allow the people of England to have any say in the how the government worked. Since neither ruler had a male heir, both promised their kingdom to the other if either died without a child. The Anglo-Saxon of people had to accept the stripping of certain rights and privileges.

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The third claimant to the throne was William, Duke of Normandy. Edward became the Anglo-Saxon King of England. In this system the king offer his warriors a plot of land called a fief, in exchange for their loyalty to him. Moreover, Harold's violation of his sacred oath enabled William to secure the support of the Pope who rejected Harold, consigning him and his supporters to an eternity in Hell. This system made a clear social structure, the king, the land owners, and land owners who let workers use and live on their land.

Common topics in this essay:
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Approximate Word count = 909
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

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