| CLAIMANT FACT FILE: |
| HARALD HARDRADA |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION: |
 Was the King of Norway.A descendant of King Canute of England.Claimed his family was
promised it could rule England.Was frequently at war
and usually won.Collected lots of taxes from
his people to pay for wars.Very unpopular, but
powerful. |
| CLAIM: |
|
Harald claimed that he had a right to the English throne. He was related to King Canute, the King of England from 1016-1032. Harald said this gave him every right to invade England. |
| PROBLEMS WITH THE CLAIM: |
| Harald's claim was
pretty weak. He didn't really care - this was a man who used
violence to make his point. He relied on his Viking reputation of being fierce. He was a tremendous warrior, and had travelled across and beyond Europe. Harold Hardrada was a true Viking, and wanted to take England by force. |
