Source A: Excerpt from a medieval chronicler

'Harold was a noble and brave man, chosen by the noblemen and the people to be king after Edward the Confessor died. His family was powerful, and he had fought many battles to defend his land.'

Provenance: A chronicler writing in the late 11th century, shortly after the events of 1066.

Harold Godwinson was an influential nobleman who became the King of England in 1066. His family, the Godwinsons, were among the most powerful in England. When King Edward the Confessor died, Harold was elected king by the Witenagemot (the council of nobles) and supported by many of the English people. He was known for his leadership in battles and his efforts to defend England's interests.

Questions:

1. Explain why Harold Godwinson was considered a powerful figure before 1066. (3 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Family was influential and wealthy", "Held important titles and land", "Fought in and won several battles", "Supported by the nobility and the people" ], "model_answer": "Harold was considered powerful because his family was influential, he held significant land, he was a successful military leader, and he had the support of the nobility and the people of England." }

2. Compare Harold's claim to the throne with that of William of Normandy. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Harold was elected by the English nobles and supported by the Witenagemot", "William claimed that Edward promised him the throne", "William had support from parts of Normandy and France", "Harold's claim was based on election and kinship, William's on supposed promise and inheritance" ], "model_answer": "Harold's claim was based on his election by the English nobles and his kinship with Edward, whereas William claimed that Edward had promised him the throne and that he had Norman support." }

3. Analyse the reasons why Harold was able to become king after Edward's death. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Support from the English nobles and the council", "His military strength and leadership", "His family’s influence and power", "The lack of a clear successor from Edward" ], "model_answer": "Harold became king because he had the support of the English nobles and the council, his military reputation, the influence of his powerful family, and the absence of a designated heir from Edward." }

4. Outline the events that led to the Battle of Hastings in 1066. (3 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "William of Normandy claimed Edward promised him the throne", "Harold was crowned king of England", "William assembled an invasion force", "Harold prepared to defend England" ], "model_answer": "After Harold was crowned king, William gathered an invasion army, leading to the Battle of Hastings as William sought to claim the throne for himself." }

5. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of Harold and William as military leaders. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Harold was experienced in local battles and defensive warfare", "William was a skilled strategist and prepared a well-organised invasion", "Harold fought on familiar territory", "William faced logistical challenges but had better planning" ], "model_answer": "Harold was experienced and familiar with fighting in England, making him a strong defensive leader, while William was a strategic planner with a well-organised invasion force, giving him an advantage in offensive operations." }

6. Write a brief outline of the significance of Harold Godwinson's reign in English history. (3 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "Last Anglo-Saxon king before Norman conquest", "His reign marked the end of Anglo-Saxon rule", "His defeat led to Norman control of England", "He is remembered as a key figure in the transition from Anglo-Saxon to Norman England" ], "model_answer": "Harold's reign was significant because it marked the end of Anglo-Saxon England and the beginning of Norman rule following the Battle of Hastings." }

7. Analyse how Harold's background and support influenced his ability to claim the throne. (4 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "His noble family provided political power", "His military experience increased his reputation", "Support from the English nobles helped legitimize his claim", "His kinship ties to Edward strengthened his position" ], "model_answer": "Harold's noble background and military experience, along with support from the English nobility and his kinship to Edward, strengthened his legitimacy and ability to claim the throne." }

8. Outline the main reasons for Harold's downfall in 1066. (3 marks)

Marking: { "indicative_content": [ "William's invasion force and military strength", "Harold's exhaustion after battles", "Strategic disadvantages in the Battle of Hastings", "William's use of effective tactics and Norman cavalry" ], "model_answer": "Harold's downfall was mainly due to William's invasion and military strength, Harold's exhaustion after previous battles, and William's effective tactics at Hastings." }