Question

Why was the death of Edward the Confessor such a cause of controversy?

A. He died under mysterious circumstances.
B. He left no heir, leading to a succession crisis.
C. He was a controversial ruler.
D. He was assassinated by a rival faction.

Answer 1

Edward the Confessor's death caused controversy because he left no heir, which led to a succession crisis that sparked the Norman Conquest.

Step-by-step explanation:

The death of Edward the Confessor was a cause of controversy because B. He left no heir, leading to a succession crisis. His death in 1066 resulted in a power vacuum and competition for the throne of England. Contenders included Harold Godwinson, who was declared king by the Witenagemot (an assembly of the ruling class), William, Duke of Normandy, who claimed that Edward had promised him the throne, and Harald Hardrada of Norway, who also made a bid for the crown. This controversy ultimately led to the Norman Conquest after the Battle of Hastings.