because William wasnt? there were a lot of rebellions against him, so who was the rightful king? any info on this would help!!!
2007-03-25 15:05:03 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
William was the great-nephew of Edward the Confessor, and it is believed that Edward promised William to make him his heir. On his death-bed Edward seems to have forgotten this by by naming Harold as his successor. William on the other hand never forgot.
Oh, do not forget that Harold had been shipwrecked in Normandy and been in William's power. During this time Harold had sworn allegiance to William, that once Edward died, William would be king.
One more person- Hardrada, King of Norway. He had claim on the throne also. Hardrada lost in battle to Harold, Harold lost in battle to William.
William goes from being William the Bastard of Normandy to William the Conqueror.
2007-03-25 16:54:12 · answer #1 · answered by issa 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
William was "the Conqueror" - which meant he earned his title by military conquest. He came from Normandy in France...which is why they were called Normans.
Harold was the seated king in England at the time. William believed he had an agreement from the previous English king, Edward, that he would inherit the throne on Edward's death. William also insisted that Harold had sworn loyalty to him. The ascent of Harold to the throne gave William the reason he needed to invade. The army of William came from France in 1066, and at the Battle of Hastings defeated Harold and his army. William was crowned as king by the remaining earls and bishops on Christmas Day 1066.
Uprisings did erupt at different points in the kingdom, and the Normans crushed these uprisings and seized the lands, which strengthened their own position.
While William may have been seen as a usurper to the English throne, he actually made changes that strengthened the monarchy and gave improvements to the kingdom.
2007-03-25 22:31:56 · answer #2 · answered by Jon D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe that William had as much claim as anyone. He certainly claimed that he had a claim. What claim did Harold have?
2007-03-25 22:09:54 · answer #3 · answered by Fred 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is not, and never has been, such a thing as a rightful king.
2007-03-25 22:23:16 · answer #4 · answered by Captain Hammer 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋