Quote:
Originally posted by James Tringham:
I knew it.
So what was the deal between Harold H and William? Was the plan to carve up the country between them, or were they trying to see who could knock out Harold G and then duel it out?
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Entirely unrelated. Tostig (Harold's brother) had been forceably removed from the Earldom of Northumbria - and Harold as the most powerful man in the Kingdom had played a part in it (he was forced to as Tostig was immensely unpopular in his Earldom).
Tostig sought solace with Hardrada - and basically talked him into making good his claim to the English crown (which was legitimate). Hardrada doesn't seem to have been that keen on the idea - but was worn down.
William had a separate (and extremely dubious) claim.
It all kicked off in 1066 because Harold became King - completely legitimately. So it was inevitable that the two other claimants would make a move immediately.
Harold, if he had been less noble - could theoretically have stood back and let the two other claimants duke it out.
It's another example of how lucky William was. Just when he set sail for England - Harold was distracted by Hardrada. If this hadn't happened then I don't believe William would have been successful in his invasion.
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