Essay Title/Question:

Was Harold Godwinson the strongest contender for the English throne in 1066?

Introduction Thesis:

In your introduction, briefly outline the main factors that made Harold a significant contender for the throne and state your overall argument.

Point 1: Harold's Claim Based on Support from the Nobility and Previous King Edward

Evidence: Harold was appointed Earl of Wessex and had the backing of the majority of English nobles, and he claimed to have been promised the throne by Edward the Confessor.

Point 2: Harold's Military Strength and Political Power

Evidence: Harold had a strong military force and controlled key regions, which made him a formidable ruler and a legitimate candidate.

Counter-argument: Other Contenders like William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada

Evidence: Both had claims supported by Norman and Norwegian sources respectively, and they posed serious threats that challenged Harold's position.

Conclusion:

Summarise the main points and state whether Harold was the strongest contender based on the evidence.

Questions:

1. Outline the main reasons why Harold Godwinson was considered a strong contender for the throne. (3 marks)

• Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Support from the English nobility", "His position as Earl of Wessex", "His claimed promise from Edward the Confessor" ], "model_answer": "Harold was a strong contender because he had the support of the English nobility, was the Earl of Wessex, and claimed that Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne." }

2. Explain how Harold's military strength contributed to his claim. (3 marks)

• Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "He commanded a large and experienced army", "He controlled key regions which helped him defend his claim", "His military ability boosted his legitimacy" ], "model_answer": "Harold's military strength, including a large army and control of key regions, reinforced his ability to defend his claim and made him a strong candidate." }

3. Compare Harold's claim with that of William of Normandy. (4 marks)

• Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Harold's claim was based on support from the English nobility and promises from Edward", "William's claim was supported by the Pope and a supposed promise from Edward", "William had a claim based on conquest and his rights as Duke of Normandy", "Harold's claim was more supported by local support, William's by external backing" ], "model_answer": "Harold's claim was based on local support and promises from Edward, whereas William's claim was supported by papal backing and a supposed promise from Edward, with William emphasizing conquest and his rights as Duke of Normandy." }

4. Analyse the importance of Harald Hardrada's claim to the throne. (4 marks)

• Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "He had a strong claim as a Norwegian king", "His invasion threatened Harold's position", "It demonstrated that Harold faced multiple threats", "His claim was based on different sources than Harold's" ], "model_answer": "Harald Hardrada's claim was significant because he was a powerful Norwegian king whose invasion posed a serious threat to Harold's position, highlighting the multiple challenges Harold faced to secure his claim." }

5. Explain the significance of Edward the Confessor's promise to Harold. (3 marks)

• Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "It gave Harold a moral and legal basis for his claim", "It increased support among the English nobles", "It was used by Harold to justify his position" ], "model_answer": "Edward's promise to Harold provided a key legal and moral basis for Harold's claim, boosting his support among nobles and justifying his position as king." }

6. Describe two factors that made Harold's claim to the throne weak. (2 marks)

• Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "His claim was not supported by international backing", "William of Normandy disputed Harold's right based on different promises and rights" ], "model_answer": "Harold's claim was weak because it lacked international support and was disputed by William of Normandy, who also claimed the throne." }

7. Outline the role of the English nobility in Harold's claim to the throne. (3 marks)

• Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "The nobility largely supported Harold", "Their support helped him gain legitimacy", "They influenced Edward's succession decision" ], "model_answer": "The English nobility played a crucial role in supporting Harold, which helped him gain legitimacy and influenced Edward's succession decision." }

8. Compare the arguments for and against Harold's claim to the throne. (4 marks)

• Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Supporters cite Edward's promise and Harold's noble support", "Opponents argue William's rights and Harald Hardrada's invasion", "Harold's claim was based on local support, William's on conquest", "Both claims had strong backing but from different sources" ], "model_answer": "Supporters of Harold argue that he had Edward's promise and noble support, making his claim legitimate, while opponents highlight William's rights as Duke of Normandy and Harald Hardrada's invasion as challenges to Harold's position." }

9. Explain how Harold's position was challenged from both within and outside England. (4 marks)

• Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Within England, the nobility's support was crucial", "Outside England, William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada posed external threats", "Harold had to defend against invasions and disputes", "These challenges made his position unstable" ], "model_answer": "Harold's position was challenged internally by rival nobles and externally by invasions from William and Harald Hardrada, making his hold on the throne precarious." }

10. Write a brief conclusion summarising whether Harold was the strongest contender for the throne. (3 marks)

• Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Summarise the main supporting evidence for Harold", "Mention the challenges from William and Harald", "State your overall judgment based on the evidence" ], "model_answer": "Overall, Harold was the strongest contender due to his support from the nobility and his military strength, but external threats like William and Harald posed significant challenges to his claim." }