1.3.2

The Witan & the Reign of Harold Godwinson

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The Witan and the Reign of Harold Godwinson

Harold needed the support of the Witan (royal council) to be a successful king. The Witan essentially had the casting vote on who would become the next King of England.

Illustrative background for Coronation of HaroldIllustrative background for Coronation of Harold ?? "content

Coronation of Harold

  • 6 January 1066: Harold Godwinson's coronation (the same day as Edward's funeral).
  • The Witan (King's council) had gathered together for Edward's funeral in Westminster Abbey, London.
  • Because everyone was in the same place, this made it easier for Harold to force his case and make the Witan accept him as the next King of England.
Illustrative background for Military defence against other claimsIllustrative background for Military defence against other claims ?? "content

Military defence against other claims

  • Harold Godwinson quickly set about building a military strategy to defend England and his position as King.
    • He marched 1 army north to York.
    • He had another army march south.
    • He positioned the English navy in the English Channel in order to defend against any threat from France. (The Vikings would invade from the North Sea rather than the English Channel).

Jump to other topics

1Anglo-Saxon England & The Norman Conquest, 1060-66

2William I in Power: Securing the Kingdom, 1066-87

3Norman England, 1066-88

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