Which statement describes William of Normandy's claim to the throne?

Which statement describes William of Normandy's claim to the throne?

• A. He claimed to have been promised the throne by Edward
• B. He had no claim to the throne
• C. He was the rightful heir by bloodline
• D. He had the support of the English Parliament

Answer: (A)

The idea being tested is how succession was claimed in this period. William argued that Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne, so when Edward died he could claim the kingship on the basis of that pledge. This promise gave his supporters a dynastic right that they could contest Harold Godwinson’s kingship with, and it’s what Norman forces invoked to justify invasion and eventual rule. The other statements don’t fit because the claim wasn’t grounded in being the closest blood heir, and the notion of Parliament endorsing a king wasn’t the mechanism by which succession was decided at that time.

The idea being tested is how succession was claimed in this period. William argued that Edward the Confessor had promised him the throne, so when Edward died he could claim the kingship on the basis of that pledge. This promise gave his supporters a dynastic right that they could contest Harold Godwinson’s kingship with, and it’s what Norman forces invoked to justify invasion and eventual rule. The other statements don’t fit because the claim wasn’t grounded in being the closest blood heir, and the notion of Parliament endorsing a king wasn’t the mechanism by which succession was decided at that time.