War of English Succession

**Justiciar** · 07-02-2006, 21:04

I was feeling rather bored earlier today, so I went for a looksie around the internet for a few things about the Norman Conquest.. And then I started reading a few things about Edgar Aetheling and his father, Edward the Exile. Edward died upon his arrival in England, having been named the heir of Edward the Conffessor. As far as I'm aware he lived a fairly healthy life in Hungary up to that point.

Do you suppose it's possible that Harold, William or even the Confessor himself might have been responsible for his death? The Exile did, afterall, have a better claim than anyone else. I know it's a wee bit theatrical, but wouldn't it make sense? Esspecially if you put yourself in Harold's hoes.. his father wormed his way up to a position of power pretty much for the express purpose of having his grandchildren/children on the throne. Harold himself tried to cling onto this and then some swine that shouldn't have even been alive turned up to take that possibility away. I know I'd order someone to put an arrow in his neck.

Anyone have any thoughts or proof against this theory?

(edit; Gah.. I suppose I should have chosen a different title.)

**rotorgun** · 07-03-2006, 01:05

I believe that the Godwin family, either Harold or his brother Tostig, may have been responsible. First of all, 1054 is rather early for William the Bastard to have made such a move, and I doubt that he had sufficeint reach with his agents to have made an attempt on his life in England. Why wait when he could have struck when Edward was still in Europe. I doubt that he was even aware of the existence of such a claimant to the English throne. The Godwinsons, now there were a pair, stood to gain the most from his death, as he was a direct threat to their succession. If I had to lay odds, my bet would be on Harold. He was certainly ruthless enough, as his later actions proved. While I have no direct proof, it seems to be the most likely possibility IMHO. Here is an interesting link that I thought you might like.

http://www.battle1066.com/claim.shtml

Great post. Certainly a fascinating and intruiging period of history. So many kings, but which one would succeed?

**Justiciar** · 07-03-2006, 01:16

Thanks for the link, rotorgun.

**rotorgun** · 07-03-2006, 04:06

You,re welcome. What is your theory about what happened to Edward the Exile?
Do you think that Harold or William was responsible?

**Justiciar** · 07-03-2006, 04:57

Personally I've got to agree with you. Harold. The Godwins had been so firmly in control that Edward's arrival posed an immediate threat, greater than the distant possibility of William or Harald invading. I wouldn't rule William out entirely, but I doubt he would have felt nearly as much urgency to be rid of the Exile as Godwinson.

**Philippus Flavius Homovallumus** · 07-03-2006, 23:44

While I agree with the above one must remember that Edward wouldn't automatically become king if he arrived in England. Harold definately could have done it but did he really need to?

Just a thought.

**rotorgun** · 07-04-2006, 05:07

Originally Posted by Wigferth Ironwall

While I agree with the above one must remember that Edward wouldn't automatically become king if he arrived in England. Harold definately could have done it but did he really need to?

Just a thought.

A very good point indeed. I guess it would depend on how much support that Edward the Exile could have gathered in the south. Wasn't Harolds power base more in the north, York specifically? Then again, being a son in law of Edward the Confessor for as long as he was would have given him time to gather allies at court. The fact that he was able to gather such a large force on the march to meet Hardrada and Tostig is proof enough of his bonifides. An interesting dilemma. Does anyone know the circumstances of the Exile's death?

**naut** · 07-04-2006, 08:21

Originally Posted by Justiciar

Esspecially if you put yourself in Harold's hoes

Anywho, yes certianly a possiblity. But, the mysterious death of Edward the Exile was most likely an inssurance policy for Harald. He probably realised there was no way he could win to battles. One against Edward and then another aganst William. But as it turned out he had to fight two anyway!