The Year of the Three Kings: England’s Wildest Succession Crisis

What if your country had three kings in one year?

That’s exactly what happened to England in 1066.

It all started when Edward the Confessor died without an heir.

The throne was up for grabs, and three powerful men claimed it.

Each had a different background, army, and ambition.

What followed was a whirlwind of political maneuvering, surprise invasions, and brutal battles.

This wasn’t just a succession—it was a full-blown royal showdown.

First to the throne was Harold Godwinson, England’s most powerful noble.

Crowned just days after Edward’s death, Harold was chosen by the Witenagemot, the council of nobles.

But not everyone agreed.

Harold’s claim was strong politically, but shaky internationally.

He had promised William of Normandy the crown years earlier—and now he was breaking that oath.

Meanwhile, across the sea, two rivals were preparing to challenge him.

Harold’s reign had begun, but it wouldn’t last long.

Enter Harald Hardrada, the Viking king of Norway.

Backed by Harold’s own brother Tostig, Hardrada invaded northern England in September.

He believed he had a legitimate claim through an old agreement with a previous English king.

At the Battle of Stamford Bridge, Harold Godwinson marched north and crushed the Norwegians in a surprise attack.

Hardrada was killed, ending Viking hopes for the English crown.

But Harold’s victory came at a cost—his army was exhausted, and another threat loomed.

Just days after defeating the Norwegians, Harold had to march south—fast.

William of Normandy had landed on the southern coast with a well-prepared army.

Claiming Harold had broken a sacred oath, William sought the crown by force.

The two armies met at the Battle of Hastings on October 14.

It was a brutal, all-day fight.

Harold was killed—legend says by an arrow to the eye—and William emerged victorious.

England’s second king of 1066 had fallen.

With Harold dead, William of Normandy claimed the throne and was crowned on Christmas Day, 1066.

He became known as William the Conqueror.

His victory didn’t just change who ruled England—it transformed the culture, language, and aristocracy.

Norman French replaced Old English in the courts, and castles sprang up across the land.

The year of three kings ended with a new dynasty and a new era.

1066 wasn’t just a date—it was a turning point in history.