In 1066, Edward the Confessor died. Either due to religious reasons or an unhappy marriage, the man never had any children. 4 people were up for the title of King of England.
Edgar the Aethling was the Great nephew of Edward. Despite being the closest related to Edward, he was 15 years old, and not deemed fit to run the country
Harald Hadrada was the Viking King of Norway. He was well known as a sword for hire, fighting anyone and everyone you can think of, becoming incredibly wealthy because of his wars, becoming King upon his return home. The Viking King of England and Norway struck up a deal, wherein when the King of England died, the King of Norway would take the throne. Once the news reached Harald, he believed that he could invade England and become King
Harold Godwinson was the Earl of Wessex. His father, Godwin, had captured Edward’s brother, Alfred, and given him to King Harold Harefoot, who blinded him by stabbing a red hot poker in his eyes before Edward escaped to Normandy. In order to reunite the country, Edward had attempted to make peace with Godwin by marrying his daughter, Harold’s sister. Harold was the king’s close advisor, a war hero and has been interpreted as somewhat of a co-king, due to the amount of power he had.
William of Normandy was Duke of Normandy. Edward’s mother was a Norman so grew up in Normandy for much of his life. William was born out of wedlock to Duke Robert and his extra-marital affair. When William was around 7 or 8, his father died, making him the Duke. Much of his childhood was riddled with attempted assassinations. Edward and William were on very friendly terms, with Edward saying that William would become king when he died. Even Harold had pledged an oath over holy relics that William would become the next king.
Harold was at Edward’s side upon his passing. He then made a public announcement that Edward said he would be the new King of England. Harold’s word was taken for granted and he was crowned king on the 5th January 1066, but that didn’t mean he would stay king. In 1066 there were 3 battles which would change England forever.