Edward the Confessor's Tumultuous Reign: The Road to 1066 (Episode 4)

This is episode 4 of our series on the road to 1066, the full series is available here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEbAHi3fZpuHgn-UBsGwiSiMI3bCV4JCZ The next episode in the series, covering the incredible life of Harald Hardrada, can be found here: https://youtu.be/J5xk5kx-PxI Episode 1 of the series is available here: https://youtu.be/Zi6DBRJFXjQ In the triumvirate of 1066, William of Normandy, Harald Hardrada, and Harold Godwinson, the latter has above all endured as one of the great heroes of English history. But how did he become the short-lived King during that tumultuous year? The answer lies in his formidable family, the Godwins. Often symbolised as the last of the Anglo-Saxons, their stratospheric rise to power was engineered by Godwin, an obscure Thaine from Sussex, in a striking case of social mobility. Making himself integral to Cnut, he was made Earl of Wessex to help him run his new kingdom. But Godwin was also cunning and conniving, constantly shifting sides to ensure the maximum advantage to his family. Even Edward the Confessor, who hated the Godwinsons, had no choice but to promote Harold and Godwin’s other sons, and marry his daughter, Edith. But, with his hatred mounting and the couple childless, the fortunes of the Godwins would soon change…in September 1051, with tensions reaching boiling point, they went into exile. It would not last, and their return would see them catapulted to even greater heights of influence. Meanwhile, just as Edward’s life was dwindling, Harold’s star was rising, and across the channel William of Normandy’s prowess was also mounting. What would happen when, in a remarkable turn of events, the two men finally met? What fateful oaths were taken that day…? 0:00 – Introduction: The clock is ticking toward 1066, and England’s fate is uncertain. 0:39 – Harold’s reputation as England’s strongest leader and his appointment as Earl. 1:56 – Discussion on Harold Godwinson as England’s last true-born king. 2:42 – The reign of Edward the Confessor and how he got his title. 3:37 – Edward’s queen, Edith, and her connection to the Godwin family. 4:42 – Tostig Godwinson’s portrayal as a strong yet ruthless leader. 5:50 – Godwin’s rise to power and how he navigated the chaos of 11th-century England. 7:11 – The blending of Anglo-Saxon and Danish heritage in England. 8:41 – Godwin’s calculated political moves, including his role in Alfred’s murder. 10:02 – How Godwin helped restore Edward the Confessor to the throne. 11:01 – Edward’s struggle for legitimacy and his reliance on Godwin’s influence. 12:12 – Edward’s marriage to Edith, cementing the Godwins’ power. 13:06 – The role of queenship and how Edith was expected to secure the dynasty. 14:26 – Edward’s failure to produce an heir and growing concerns over succession. 17:25 – Rising tensions between Edward and Godwin, leading to a power struggle. 20:05 – The Norman influence in Edward’s court and growing resentment. 21:39 – The Dover incident: Godwin defies Edward and refuses to punish his people. 23:52 – Godwin’s exile and Harold’s temporary retreat to Ireland. 24:57 – Edward aligns with Normandy, possibly promising William the throne. 27:12 – Godwin’s dramatic return in 1052 and his triumphant reestablishment. 28:57 – Edith is restored as queen, solidifying the Godwins’ dominance. 30:43 – Edward’s construction of Westminster Abbey as a political statement. 33:58 – Godwin’s unexpected death at a feast, clearing the way for Harold. 35:37 – Harold’s rise as England’s most powerful noble. 36:49 – Tostig’s controversial rule in Northumbria and his harsh policies. 38:55 – The rebellion against Tostig and his subsequent exile. 40:29 – William of Normandy strengthens his position in France. 41:57 – Harold’s fateful meeting with William and his oath on the bones of saints. 43:54 – The conflicting English and Norman accounts of Harold’s oath. 46:18 – Harold’s real motive: Spying on the Norman military revolution. 48:01 – Tostig’s downfall and Harold’s refusal to support him. 50:56 – The deteriorating health of Edward the Confessor. 55:03 – Edward nears death as England braces for its next ruler. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUYK0BJZF3yNb2fw1EdAXUQ/join Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor