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Harold Godwinson as King
How did Harold Godwinson take power?
On 6th January 1066 - the day of Edward's burial - Harold Godwinson was crowned Harold II of England.
Why was Harold Godwinson made king in 1066?
Harold was, basically, the best person who was in the right place at the right time.
- ❖ He moved fast and seized his opportunity.
- ❖ The Witan agreed that he should be king.
Why did the Witan choose Harold Godwinson as king?
The Witan agreed that Harold Godwinson should become king on the 5th January 1066, the day of Edward's death. There were a number of reasons for this.
- ❖ They were already gathered for the opening of Westminster Abbey in London.
- ❖ They were aware of the threat from Normandy, and wanted a warrior king who could take swift action.
- ❖ They were likely to object to a Norman king - as Godwin had objected to Edward's Norman advisors.
What challenges did Harold Godwinson face as king?
As soon as he became king, Harold faced threats and challenges.
- ❖ Other English earls might not agree with the choice, particularly those from Mercia, which was Wessex's rival.
- ❖ Northumbria might not accept Tostig's brother as king.
- ❖ Tostig was in Europe, bitter and angry at Harold and looking for allies.
- ❖ William of Normandy was reported to be building an invasion fleet.
How did Harold Godwinson react to challenges when he became king?
Immediately after his coronation, Harold took swift action to deal with the threats to his rule.
- ❖ He travelled to York, to ensure that he had the support of Northumbrian members of the Witan, who had not been in London. This was to ensure that the north would remain loyal.
- ❖ He gathered a large army and fleet from the fyrd, and positioned them on the south coast of England to guard against an invasion from Normandy.
- ❖ He kept the army in place all summer, until the autumn when it was time for them to stand down and return home.
How did Tostig react to Harold Godwinson's coronation?
Since his exile, Tostig had been gathering support and plotting revenge on his brother.
- ❖ He gained support in Flanders, where his wife was from, and sailed a fleet to England in May 1066.
- ❖ When he found out about the strength of Harold's army, Tostig diverted his path to Lincolnshire.
- ❖ In Lincolnshire, a fight with the Mercians destroyed most of his fleet.
- ❖ Tostig fled to Scotland and began to plot with Harald Hardrada.
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