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This is the first half of a two part series on the Norman Conquest of England. My cohost for both parts is a veteran of this podcast, Dr. Jennifer Paxton of the Catholic University of America. Jenny is one of the very best historians of Anglo-Norman England, so this is a subject right up her alley. In this episode we explore the historical background leading up to the Norman Conquest and the claims of the three rivals who fought for the English throne in 1066: Earl Harold Godwinson, King Harald Hardrada of Norway, and Duke William of Normandy.

This is an episode that cries out for genealogical tables connecting the main claimants to the English throne in 1066. Fortunately, there are a number of useful and reliable ones online:

For the family relations of the main claimants to the English throne in 1066, see
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_the_Conqueror#/media/File:Tree_of_William's_struggle_for_England.svg

There is a nice table of the family of Earl Godwin at:
https://achallengeforthethronebygeorgina.weebly.com/harold-godwinson.html

And for Harald Hardrada, check out:
https://www.medievalists.net/2021/08/harald-hardrada-exemplar-age/

I'm pleased to say that 'Tis But A Scratch recently was recognized by Feedspot as one of the 25 best Viking Age Podcasts and one of the top 100 podcasts on the history of Europe:

https://podcast.feedspot.com/viking_age_podcasts/
https://podcast.feedspot.com/europe_podcasts/

This episode includes an audio clip from Walt Disney's animated "Alice in Wonderland." To understand why, you will just have to listen to the episode.

Listen on Podurama https://podurama.com

Intro and exit music are by Alexander Nakarada

If you have questions, feel free to contact me at richard.abels54@gmail.com