Harold Godwinson’s Succession as King of England

This section explores the succession of Harold Godwinson to the English throne. When King Edward the Confessor passed away on 5th January 1066, leaving no direct heir, England was left in a state of uncertainty. To resolve the matter, the Witan: England’s council of nobles was convened to choose a successor. After careful consideration, they selected Harold Godwinson, one of the most powerful figures in the kingdom.

Who Was Harold Godwinson?

• Background: Harold Godwinson was the son of Earl Godwin of Wessex, the most influential Anglo-Saxon noble of his time. When his father died in 1053, Harold inherited his father’s title and vast estates, becoming the Earl of Wessex, the wealthiest and most powerful province in England.
• Family Ties: Harold was also the brother-in-law of King Edward the Confessor, having married Edward’s sister, Edith. This familial connection gave Harold significant influence at court.
• Trusted by Edward: During the 1060s, Harold had become the king’s most trusted advisor. He was often given control of the kingdom's affairs, especially in Edward’s later years when the king was too ill to rule effectively. This relationship with Edward cemented Harold’s position as a key figure in the English court.
• Control of England: Before 1066, Harold and his brothers, Leofwine and Gyrth, controlled most of England’s key provinces, further increasing Harold’s power.

The Role of the Godwinson Family in Edward the Confessor’s Kingdom

The Godwinson family played a crucial role in the governance of England during Edward’s reign. After the death of Earl Godwin in 1053, Harold’s leadership became central to the kingdom’s stability:

• Harold’s Rise to Power: As Earl of Wessex, Harold controlled the south and west of England, the richest and most populous areas of the kingdom. This made him the most influential noble in England after the king.
• The Godwinson Brothers’ Influence: Harold’s brothers, Leofwine and Gyrth, controlled vital regions such as London and East Anglia, strengthening the family’s hold over England. With such widespread control, the Godwinsons had the military strength and political reach to maintain peace and order.
• Relationship with King Edward: Unlike his father, who had sought to dominate Edward, Harold was seen as a loyal servant to the king. This trust helped solidify Harold’s position as Edward’s successor, as the king relied on Harold to manage the kingdom’s affairs.

Why Did the Witan Elect Harold as Edward’s Successor?

The Witan, made up of the most powerful nobles in England, had the responsibility of ensuring the stability of the kingdom. Their decision to elect Harold was influenced by several key factors:

• Proven Leadership: Harold had demonstrated his military and diplomatic prowess over many years. He had fought off Welsh and Viking invasions and was respected for his ability to manage internal disputes and external threats.
• A Strong Military Commander: As the most capable military leader in England, Harold was seen as the person best equipped to defend the realm from both internal unrest and external invasions, particularly from the Normans in the south and the Vikings in the north.
• Edgar Atheling’s Youth: Although Edgar Atheling, the great-nephew of Edward, was the closest blood relative to the king, he was only a teenager at the time of Edward’s death. The Witan believed Edgar was too young and inexperienced to effectively govern and defend England against the looming threats. This made Harold a safer and more pragmatic choice for the throne.

Harold Godwinson Establishes Himself as King of England in 1066

Once Harold was declared king, he wasted no time in securing his position:

• Crowning of Harold: Harold was crowned King of England on the same day as Edward the Confessor’s burial, likely in Westminster Abbey. This rapid succession was crucial to prevent any potential rivals from emerging during a time of political uncertainty.
• Consolidating Power: To ensure peace within England, Harold quickly sought alliances with key figures. He married the sister of Edwin and Morcar, the powerful northern earls. This marriage was a strategic move, designed to secure support from the northern Anglo-Saxon nobility.

By uniting with Edwin and Morcar, Harold was able to strengthen his control over the north, thus preventing civil war and focusing on the immediate external threats to England.

• Defending Against External Threats: Once his position in the south was secure, Harold turned his attention to the threats that loomed on England’s borders. In 1066, England faced two significant dangers: William of Normandy, who had claimed the English throne through a promise made by Edward, and Harald Hardrada, the King of Norway, who had invaded England with the support of Harold’s estranged brother, Tostig Godwinson.

Harold’s first priority was to prepare for these invasions. His strategic marriage alliances, as well as his strong military leadership, enabled him to gather the resources needed to face these external threats. Harold understood that England’s survival depended on a united front against foreign invaders.

Challenges Faced by Harold

Despite his powerful position, Harold’s reign was not without challenges:

• The Norman Threat: William of Normandy’s invasion in the south was a major challenge. William had gathered a large army and fleet, and with the support of the Papacy, he presented a legitimate threat to Harold’s rule. The Battle of Hastings in October 1066 would decide the fate of the English throne.
• The Viking Threat: At the same time, Harold faced another invasion from Harald Hardrada, who sought to claim the throne in the north. The Vikings landed in Yorkshire in September 1066, and Harold had to march his army north to confront them.
• Internal Struggles: Harold’s rise to power also caused tension among some Anglo-Saxon nobles, particularly those who supported Edgar Atheling. However, by securing the support of the Witan and marrying into key noble families, Harold was able to minimise the risk of internal uprisings.

Harold Godwinson’s succession to the throne in 1066 was the result of his extensive political and military experience, his powerful family connections, and his ability to secure key alliances. Although he was a strong and capable ruler, Harold’s reign was tragically cut short by the Norman invasion at the Battle of Hastings. Despite this, his leadership in the face of multiple threats in 1066 highlighted the complex nature of medieval kingship and the importance of both diplomacy and military strength in maintaining control over England.