Megan Bittner
King Edward of England, also known as Edward the Confessor, died on January 5, 1066 leaving no heir to the throne. There came about a three-way struggle for the throne, which resulted in the Battle of Hastings, and ultimately the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England.
The first claimant to the throne was Harold Godwinson. He was Edward’s brother-in-law, and was very popular with the people. It was rumored that when Edward died he said, "Into Harold’s hands I commit my Kingdom." Harold was seen as the only legitimate heir to the throne of England.
William, Duke of Normandy was the second person to lay claim to the English throne. William claimed that Edward had designated him as the next King of England and that Godwinson delivered this message himself. William gained support from the church by claiming that Harold had broken the oath in which he swore, on holy relics that he would support William as the King of England.
Harald Hardrada, King of Norway, laid the final claim to the throne. His brother struck a deal with the Danish Ruler of England in which each promised their kingdom to the other should one of them die. Harald’s brother was dead as was the Danish King so Harald came to claim his brother’s prize.
Hardrada struck first, but Harold staged a surprise attack and easily defeated the enemy.
Soon after defeating Hardrada Harold received word that William was marching to Hastings, thus beginning the famous Battle of Hastings. Both sides fought violently for the better part of the day, but as night fell the English weakened, the Normans charged and easily defeated them.
On December 25, 1066 William was crowned King of England. With his coronation came the downfall of Saxon aristocracy.
Under William’s rule the Anglo-Saxons met with oppression, all their lands and money were taken. William kept some of the lands and the rest were divided between the Norman people. The Normans held all of the high positions in government, while the Saxons were forced into serfdom.
Despite their hardships the Anglo-Saxons were allowed to retain their language and many of their customs. Eventually the differences between the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans died out. Their languages blended forming the English language we speak today.