Admit your ignorance - things you've only just realised/learned

[Seevio]

Edward the Confessor, King of England died. It was claimed that, during his reign, he promised the throne to William of Normandy. However, after Edwards death a nobleman called Harold Goodwinson seized control.

While I'm not saying William made it all up, saxon kings were chosen by the Witan. Often it would go to an heir but they valued capability over inheritance. So whether Edward promised the kingdom to William or not, it was no longer his to promise after his death. Presumably Edward the confessor would have known this, what with being a saxon king.

The Normans, on the other hand, were all about primogeniture so if William the Bastard received such a promise, he would have treated the English throne as his by right.

Harold Godwinson was one of the most influential nobles and had been proven to be a capable military leader. He was brother in law to Edward the confessor and was nominated by Edward on his deathbed. He was the leading candidate to be chosen by the Witan. Possibly "seized" may not be the most accurate way to describe the way he gained the throne.

Harald Hardrada also felt he had a right to the throne but I haven't looked the details up.