I may need to dig in when I catch a break on seminary assignments..
My view of Harold Godwinson is decidedly more positive and I view an oath sworn under duress no oath at all.
William the Bastard should have stayed on his side of the Channel and contended for the subjugation of neighboring Norsemen running remnant Frankish petty kingdoms.
Perhaps it's the influence of Victorian Romantic Historiography or some other negative influence, but my impression is that the choice of William was neither clear nor ironclad.
That said, I'm open to correction. It's been a long while since I did any serious reading on the period. I'll add the title to my Wish List. 😎
I may need to dig in when I catch a break on seminary assignments..
My view of Harold Godwinson is decidedly more positive and I view an oath sworn under duress no oath at all.
William the Bastard should have stayed on his side of the Channel and contended for the subjugation of neighboring Norsemen running remnant Frankish petty kingdoms.
Harold was the best of his House, by far. But knowing your King had a designated heir and refusing him fealty is problematic.
Perhaps it's the influence of Victorian Romantic Historiography or some other negative influence, but my impression is that the choice of William was neither clear nor ironclad.
That said, I'm open to correction. It's been a long while since I did any serious reading on the period. I'll add the title to my Wish List. 😎