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*** CLAIM TO THE THRONE ***
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Harold was the eldest son of
Earl Godwin. The Godwin family were the most powerful in England,
controlling the area known as Wessex.
Harold's sister - Edith - was married to King Edward the Confessor.
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Harold Godwinson had a great deal of power by 1066. His father had died, so he was now head of the powerful Godwin family.
When King Edward the Confessor lay dying in early January 1066, his wife Edith and Harold Godwinson were at his bedside.
According to Harold, King
Edward's dying words were:
"I commend my wife and all my kingdom to
your care"
If this was true, Harold had a rightful
claim 
as he was carrying out the King's last wish.
However - there are questions about Harold's claim:
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There is no clear evidence to say Harold did have a claim. Yet there is also no clear evidence to say that he did not!
One
source claims that King Edward had already chosen Harold Godwinson as the
next King.
If King Edward's dying
wish was for Harold to become King, then Harold had the rightful
claim . A
King's dying wish replaced all previous promises or plans.
Was this King Edward's dying wish
though? It was extremely convenient
for Harold Godwinson if it was!
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