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Difficulty: MediumThe Norman Conquest

The Norman Conquest of 10661066 was triggered by a succession crisis following the death of King Edward the Confessor. On what basis did William, Duke of Normandy, claim that he was the rightful heir to the English throne?

  1. He claimed that King Edward had promised him the throne and that Harold had previously sworn an oath to support this claim.Answer
  2. B
    He claimed a direct blood descent from the Roman emperors who had originally ruled the province of Britannia.
  3. C
    He claimed to be the only surviving legitimate son of King Edward the Confessor.
  4. D
    He claimed that he had been officially elected by the Witan, the council of Anglo-Saxon nobles, to succeed King Edward.

Answer

William, Duke of Normandy, based his claim on the assertion that King Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne and that Harold Godwinson had sworn an oath to support that promise.
The claim made by William was based on the assertion that Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne and that Harold Godwinson had previously sworn an oath to support this claim.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the cause of the succession crisis in 10661066.
The death of King Edward the Confessor without a direct heir.
To understand why multiple figures felt they had a legitimate claim to the throne.
2
Analyze the specific arguments used by William of Normandy to justify his invasion.
William cited a personal promise from Edward and a sacred oath sworn by Harold.
To distinguish William's claim from other rivals like Harold Godwinson or Harald Hardrada.

Key Concept

Political legitimacy and the causes of the Norman Conquest

Practice More

Research the Domesday Book of 10851085 to understand how William the Conqueror consolidated his control over England through a detailed census of people, land, and animals.
Estimated Time:1m 15s
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Topics

The Norman Conquest

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