William the Conqueror

The Death of Edward the Confessor

On 5 January 1066 Edward the Confessor died. On 6 January, Harold Godwinson, after having ridden all night, was crowned king in London. He claimed that Edward on his deathbed changed his will and designated him as successor and true king. He even produced a document proving it, though no one else knew of its existence.

It is just possible that Edward changed his mind, as some accounts say that Edward was out of his head toward the end. Perhaps he did so in delirium; perhaps he did so urged by councillors sympathetic to Harold; and perhaps he did no such thing and Harold's document was a forgery.

It truly did not matter. The question of succession was certainly not going to be settled by documents and lawyers. William immediately sent a protest, but he knew war would be the only way to enforce his claims, and he set preparations in motion at once.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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