Use the Website to Find the Answers

Use the website to find the answers T I P

1. What was so remarkable about 1066? The Normans invaded this was begging of the dark ages.

2. When Edward the Confessor died, what was the problem? He had no If you cannot find an answer, try going onto the next page! children so there was no son to become king

3. What does ‘claimant’ mean? Someone who claims to the throne.

4. In 1066, who were the three main claimants to the throne? Duke William, Harold Godwinson and Harold Hardrada.

5. Click on each of your three claimants. Write a sentence explaining each claim to the throne. (Use the clues below to help you)

Duke William: According to Duke William, King Edward the Confessor promised him the throne. In the past, Normandy had looked after and helped King Edward's family.

Harold Godwinson: A King's dying wish replaced all previous promises or plans.

Harold Hardrada: He was related to King Cnut and his sons. He said this gave him the right to invade.

[ www.NormanConquest.co.uk ] William Harold Harold

A promise A death-bed wish An old claim

6. Find out the names of two other claimants to the throne.

7. a) Who was declared king? b) He was a ‘brave and respected’ leader – what was the problem with him becoming king?

Sweyn was King of Denmark. He was a blood relation of two previous English Kings. He was a nephew of King Cnut.

He caused trouble for King Edward the Confessor, and could have caused real problems when King Edward died. As the heir of King Cnut , he had a strong claim to the throne. The strong Danish fleet gave him the power to invade England if his wished.

However invasion problems in his own country meant he didn't make a claim. After 1066, he tried to cause trouble, always offering support to help resistance against William. (Clue: make sure you have the word ‘rightful’ in your answer)

1. Try and decide who you think should have become king. Write a paragraph explaining how you made your choice. (Use the paragraph starter below to help you) I think ____Harold Godwinson______had the best claim. This is because … No one knows if it’s true or not so no one can prove it’s not true and he could do anything he wants.

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