Lesson Title: Who were the contenders to the throne in 1066? Know details about the contenders to the England throne Understand who had the best claim to the throne Skills: making decisions, explanation, comparison

It is the year 1066 The King, Edward the Confessor, has died He has no children so has left no heir to the throne England faces a crisis because there is no clear candidate for king

Look at the sheet you have been given with this table on… Who? Reasons why they should be King Reasons why they shouldn’t be king Harald William Harold

1066

1066

Here’s your host: Sir Paddy McGuiness!

Hello and welcome to a very special edition of 1066 Take Me Out! (Crowd: ooooooh!) As we’re all aware our dear king, Edward the Confessor, has died and we’re all really cut up about it.

But today we have a special edition. Tonight, our contestants will be playing for more than just a maiden’s hand. They will be playing for the throne of England! (Crowd: ooooooh!)

Each Englishman has a light. If they like what they see they keep their light on. If they don’t like what they see then... NO LIKEY, NO LIGHTY!

Let the pina see the colada! First man, reveal yourself....

My Name’s Harald Hardrada and I’m from Norway!

Remember: NO LIKEY, NO LIGHTY!

Harald No one promised me that I should be King. They didn’t have the right! As King of Norway I should be King of England, like my ancestor King Canute! Harald Hardrada

I have an alliance with the King of Scotland so this will bring harmony and security to England. I also have the support of Harold’s brother Tosti. As King of Norway I would get a lot of support from the Vikings who live in the north. Harald

I won’t take land off England. My supporters have plenty of land back in Norway and Denmark. As long as you pay me lots of lovely taxes I will leave your land alone. Harald

So Englishmen and ladies, if you think Harald is the perfect king for you then … Remember: He’s the popular Viking who just wants your taxes. He’s the true heir of Canute and thinks Edward was a fake. His support come in the North and he’s not afraid of a fight!

Let the hokey see the cokey! Second man, reveal yourself....

My name’s William and I’m from Normandy!

Remember: NO LIKEY, NO LIGHTY!

William Edward actually promised that I would be King in Even Harold from Wessex promised that I should be King! Harold is a liar! Choose me, not him!

William God and the Pope are my allies and you don’t get better than that! The Pope has given me his banner to fight against that liar Harold.

William If I have to fight for the throne I’ll have to pay my army with your land! But if you choose me, you might get to keep your land as I wont have to fight.

Remember: He’s the holy Norman with support from the Pope. He’s says everyone’s promised him the throne, even Harold from Wessex. Look out, he might just take your land if your not careful! So Englishmen and ladies, if you think Will is the perfect king for you then …

Let the chimney see the sweep! Third man, reveal yourself....

My name’s Harold and I’m from Wessex, England!

Remember: NO LIKEY, NO LIGHTY!

Harold of Wessex King Edward promised that I would be King just before he died. Edward would want the crown to go to the most powerful Anglo-Saxon in England. An Englishman should rule England! Harold of Wessex

Harold The Witan, a meeting made up of all the most powerful people in England, elected me to be King. Everyone who matters in England is my friend and ally.

Harold I’m the biggest landowner in England. I don’t have to pay for my army with taxes or land. My supporters already own them! So choose me and you keep your land!

So Englishmen and ladies, if you think Hazza is the perfect king for you then … Remember: He’s the local boy made good who is popular throughout England. He says he is Edward’s rightful heir. However, can you believe a word he says?

What a difficult choice! Any one of our strapping lads would make a fine King of England! We don’t expect you to choose straight away! How fantastic was that!

Single Men – Reveal Yourselves! Harald William Harold

Let’s have a chit chat Using the information in your table choose which contender you think should be King and why. You have to also explain why the other two claimants should not be King.

Write out a paragraph using this writing frame… I’m keeping my light on for……… This is because he…. He would also make a good King because…. I turned my light out for…… because…… Also he…. In addition, I don’t think …..would be a very good King because…..so I turned my light off for him.

Who have you decided? Let’s put it to the vote!

Just remember the final decision of 1066 is not legally binding. So I would stay away from Stamford Bridge and Hastings!