Harold for King?
Harold Godwinson came from a powerful noble family in England. Harold was the son of Earl Godwin of Wessex and the title had been passed down to Harold. Harold's family had a lot of support from other Anglo Saxons in England who also disagreed with King Edwards use of foreigners in his court.
Harold was close to King Edward through work and marriage. Harold had worked for the king for more than twelve years as his advisor. Harold's sister, Edith, married King Edward making Harold his brother in law. Harold's title was also very important in England, second only to the King, which meant that Harold must answer to no one but Edward himself.
Harold Godwinson believed that he deserved to be King because of his power in England and support from other English families. Harold was, like the other claimants, in love with power and forever seeking more. Harold also wished to bring back Anglo Saxon England and move the Normans brought to England by King Edward out of the court.
Harold's claim to the throne was not as strong as his competitors who had blood rights to the throne, although he was an English aristocrat. Although the Witan council choose Harold as King, I think it was wrong of Harold to accept their offer of the Kingship. Harold had sworn on Holy relics that he would help William become King and this led the support from the Church to William.
In conclusion, I think that Harold of Wessex did not deserve to be King, or have a strong claim to the throne due to not being a blood relative to the King. I think that Harold being King would not have benefited England in the ways that his competitors may have: by building new castles, growing steady crops or strengthening the army.
Harold was close to King Edward through work and marriage. Harold had worked for the king for more than twelve years as his advisor. Harold's sister, Edith, married King Edward making Harold his brother in law. Harold's title was also very important in England, second only to the King, which meant that Harold must answer to no one but Edward himself.
Harold Godwinson believed that he deserved to be King because of his power in England and support from other English families. Harold was, like the other claimants, in love with power and forever seeking more. Harold also wished to bring back Anglo Saxon England and move the Normans brought to England by King Edward out of the court.
Harold's claim to the throne was not as strong as his competitors who had blood rights to the throne, although he was an English aristocrat. Although the Witan council choose Harold as King, I think it was wrong of Harold to accept their offer of the Kingship. Harold had sworn on Holy relics that he would help William become King and this led the support from the Church to William.
In conclusion, I think that Harold of Wessex did not deserve to be King, or have a strong claim to the throne due to not being a blood relative to the King. I think that Harold being King would not have benefited England in the ways that his competitors may have: by building new castles, growing steady crops or strengthening the army.