t is the year 1066. The King Edward the Confessor has died. He has left no heir. England faces a crisis there is no clear candidate for king. Your Task.

t is the year 1066. The King Edward the Confessor has died. He has left no heir. England faces a crisis there is no clear candidate for king.Your Task.You are a member of the Council called the Witan it is your job to chose a new king.

·An experienced leader·A skilled warrior·English·A relative of the late king

But what quality do you think is most important? Take a quick poll.

Edward the Confessor was a very sick king. He died in 1066 with no direct heir to the throne.

Four men wanted to be king of England

William of Normandy

Harold Hardrada

Edgar Etheling

Harold Godwinson

Read the resumes of these men and decide whom you feel should be king.

Name: William of Normandy

Relation: Edward's first cousin's son

Edward had promised me the throne before he died. Harold Godwinson promised his support in my bid for the crown. I am very used to ruling a large area of land. I am hard working and good at resolving conflicts. References available upon request.

Explain briefy why you think you would be suited to this job.

Name: Harold Hardrada

Relation: Distant relatives

Explain briefy why you think you would be suited to this job.I am currently working as King of Norway so I have sound experience in ruling a kingdom. I have references from Harold Godwinson's brother Tostig. I also inherited land from former king of England, Canute, therefore I have a right to be king of England. I enjoy playing competitive sports and eating out.

Name: Edgar Etheling

Relation: Great nephew of Edward

Despite my young age of 14, I am doing very well at school, and my teachers say I am developing good leadership skills in all my classes. I enjoy sports and public speaking. I have many friends who know lots about battles and things, so I am sure they will help me run the country and keep England safe from invaders. I promise.

Explain briefy why you think you would be suited to this job.

Name: Harold Godwinson

Relation: Not a blood relative, but brother to Edward's wife

Explain briefy why you think you would be suited to this job.

I currently hold a very important job in Wessex. I have good contacts and the support of many English thanes. In addition, I have the money to protect England from any invaders (especially from France). Edward also promised me the crown of England when he died.

Based on these resumes, who do you think is more qualified for the job of ruling England?

Name of applicant:

Resaons why you would employ him:The applicant......................................

has been successful for the position of...........................

due to the following skills:

King of England

If you chose Harold Godwinson well done! Give yourself 10/10. Harold was the Witan’s choice. He was English and an experienced soldier. He understood how England should be governed.

If you chose Harald give yourself 7/10. He was a great warrior and an experienced ruler. But to the English he was a foreigner and they didn’t want to be ruled by a foreigner.

If you chose William give yourself 7/10. He was an experienced ruler and a skilled warrior but like Harald Hardraada he was a foreigner.

If you chose Edgar give yourself 3/10. Although Edgar was a relative he was far too young to make a good king.

But who was ultimately successful in gaining the position as King of England?

William of Normandy

How did the successful candidate win the crown of England?

William the Conqueror

Meet William the Conqueror, Duke of

Normandy

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BayeuxTapestry

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Battle of Hastings Game

Access this interactive link to see how you would battle for the crown of England.

Song Parody

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