What promise did William make to Earl Edwin?

What promise did William make to Earl Edwin?

• A. The chance to marry his daughter
• B. A large land grant in Normandy
• C. A seat in the king's council
• D. A tax exemption for life

Answer: (A)

Marriage alliances were a powerful tool for tying powerful nobles to the ruler after conquest. William offered Earl Edwin a marriage alliance by suggesting Edwin could marry William’s daughter. This created a personal, lasting bond between their families, giving Edwin prestige and a direct stake in William’s success in ruling England. Such a pledge would be more effective at securing loyalty than a one‑off grant or office, and it directly linked Edwin’s fate to the Norman regime. The other options don’t forge that enduring family tie or address the political goal of stabilizing William’s hold on England in the same way.

Marriage alliances were a powerful tool for tying powerful nobles to the ruler after conquest. William offered Earl Edwin a marriage alliance by suggesting Edwin could marry William’s daughter. This created a personal, lasting bond between their families, giving Edwin prestige and a direct stake in William’s success in ruling England. Such a pledge would be more effective at securing loyalty than a one‑off grant or office, and it directly linked Edwin’s fate to the Norman regime. The other options don’t forge that enduring family tie or address the political goal of stabilizing William’s hold on England in the same way.