Assess the Reasons for the Succession Crisis at the End of Edward the Confessor’s Reign.

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On the 8th June 1042 Edward was crowned king and all through his years that led to his death on the 5th January 1066 he had made a lot of enemies, friends, promises, accusations and statements. These led to what was known as a succession crisis as other men thought they had the right to rule England as Edward had been given no son. In my answer I will note each potential successor (Edgar Atheling, Eustace of Boulogne, Ralph Mantes, Harald Hardrada and Swegn of Denmark) and why they, along with others, thought that they had the most chance to become King of England. When Edward died in the year 1066 Edgar was still just a young teenager with no militaristic skill not at all benefiting his rise to be king. Although this fact never over ruled peoples judgement of him to be king as many others Edgar the Peaceful and Edward the Martyr had succeeded the throne at a similar age to Edgar. Edwards’s lack of an heir prior to 1057 and by no further planning by Edgar to succeed him it was obvious that Edgar had lost all chance of a peaceful hereditary succession for the throne. After the time of King Harold’s death at Hastings the Witan had re-established themselves within London and elected Edgar as the new King. This was not Edwards bidding but rather that of the powerful lords in England who were struggling against the Norman occupation by William. As William prowess spread throughout England he finally reached London. The lords had feared for the worst and took Edgar out to submit to William at Berkhamstead. Eustace of Boulogne believed that he had as much a right as any other man as he was related to Edward as a nephew of his. He married Goda Aethlred the Unready’ daughter who was king before him and sister of Edward the confessor thus relating to his relation with Edward. This would never have been enough of a mark for the Witan to even consider him for the throne and
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