Just before Edward the Confessor, King of England, died on 5 January 1066, he named a powerful English earl as his successor. At least, that’s what many historical sources claim. The trouble was, this earl was not the only man who believed he held the lawful right to the throne. In fact, he was one of five. So who were these five men who all believed they should be England’s king? 1. Harold Godwinson The brother of Edward’s wife, Harold was the leading noble in England and the man who Edward supposedly gave the kingdom to on his deathbed. Harold was crowned king on 6 January 1066 but would only last a few months in the job. In September of that year he successfully fought off an attack by one rival claimant to the throne, Harald Hardrada. But less than three weeks later he was killed in battle with another claimant: William the Conqueror . 2. William of Normandy William, Duke of Normandy, believed that Edward had promised him the English throne long