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King Edward II brought Norman influence into the court and opened up England to more cultural and political contact with Europe than ever before.
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In September of 1051, Edward the Confessor exiled a powerful nobleman known as Earl Godwin of Wessex. Despite the fact that the Earl helped protect the nation, there were family quarrels and Godwin and his family had to leave.
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In 1064, Harold, earl of Wessex, was shipwrecked on the coast of Ponthieu. He was captured by Count Guy I of Ponthieu, and held hostage until William the Conquerer freed him. In exchange, Harold promised to hand over the throne to William.
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Harold, Earl of Wessex, known as Harold II, is crowned King of England on the day of Edward's funeral. William, Duke of Normandy and Harald Hadrada, King of Normandy threatened Harold and claimed the right to the throne.
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His father, Hardicanute, had been King of England in 1042, before Edward the Confessor.
Harald Hadrada and Harold II's brother, Tostig, invade England with 300 ships and burn Scarborough. -
Hadrada and Tostig defeat the English and take York in four days.
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Harold II defeats Harald Hardrada and Tostig, Harold's brother, at Stamford Bridge. He kills both of them and less than 30 of the 300 raiding ships were able to return to Norway.
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William the Conquerer of Normandy lands at Pevensey on the southern coast of England. He had laid claims to the throne and believed that he had been promised it by Harold II.
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William the Conquerer defeated Harold II. While both armies were evenly matched in numbers, Harold's men were exhausted from the Battle of Stamford Bridge. Harold was killed by an arrow to the eye.
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William was crowned at Westminster Abbey, where Edward the Confessor had been buried.
