WI Harold Godwinson becomes the English Aurelian?

I apologise if the title is slightly misleading. I used the comparison of Aurelian defeating the Palmyrene and Gallic Empires with the idea of Harold Godwin defeating both the Norwegian and Norman invasions.

Last week was the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings, and recently there was a thread asking what might happen if both Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy died during that battle. Previous threads asked what might happen if Harold had won instead of William, and people seem to think Harold would go down in history as one of the greatest English kings if he had won.

However, I'm here to posit a different outcome. What if Harold wins the Battle of Hastings but ends up assassinated at least a year afterwards, like Aurelian ended up being assassinated IOTL? The witenagamot had elected him as King because of the impending invasions by Harald Hardrada and William of Normandy. But they had originally wanted to elect Edgar the Atheling. They did so IOTL immediately after Harold's death, and ITTL they might consider putting him on the throne now that the danger had passed. Of course, there are other potential claimants/dangers - Sweyn II of Denmark, Malcolm III of Scotland, Harald Hardrada's sons, the Welsh, Harold's sons and possibly William of Normandy's sons.

Any thoughts?
 
If Norway and Normandy have been beaten, they won't have an army worth considering for a little while. Edgar will probably get the crown, with little (if any) threat from outside. That might change 5 years down the line, but Edgar probably would be aware of that.

- BNC
 
If Norway and Normandy have been beaten, they won't have an army worth considering for a little while. Edgar will probably get the crown, with little (if any) threat from outside. That might change 5 years down the line, but Edgar probably would be aware of that.

- BNC

I'd say the biggest threat would be Sweyn II of Denmark. Although he supposedly supported his cousin as a counter to Harald Hardrada. What I'm not sure of is whether Sweyn would immediately invade England or try to conquer/control Norway first. IOTL, Sweyn married one of his daughters to Olaf III of Norway, and his son, Olaf I of Denmark, married one of Harald Hardrada's daughters. But ITTL he may want to try and recreate the empire of his uncle.

I'd say Harold's sons would likely get the nod ahead of Edgar.

Maybe. Compared to Edgar's descent from Alfred the Great, the Godwins are relatively "new" men. At least that's how some nobles may see it.
 
New idea: Harold could end up being assassinated by trying to manipulate or break the witenagamot, essentially trying to turn it into a rubber stamp in terms of royal succesion.
 
I'd say Harold's sons would likely get the nod ahead of Edgar.

Wasn't there some doubt over the legitimacy of Harold's elder sons (Godwine, Edmund and Magnus)? Would the Witan overlook that (there were questions raised over AEthelstan, but he got the throne, so...)?

And Edgar and Harold's older sons appear to have been a similar age and equally inexperienced, so that isn't a factor (whereas in 1066 one of the reasons Edgar was overlooked was because he lacked the experience to be a capable military leader).

Maybe. Compared to Edgar's descent from Alfred the Great, the Godwins are relatively "new" men. At least that's how some nobles may see it.

Might it not also depend on whether Gyrth and Leofwine also survive Hastings, and subsequently support their nephews (if that's something they'd do)?
 
How old are the sons being considered? Their age might influence the witan's decision, too, not just the "bloodline".
 
iirc Edmund and Godwine were born in 1049 and Magnus in 1051 (unfortunately, very little on them exists). by the time Harold dies, i imagine any one of them would be experienced enough to at least be an average ruler
 
A lot will depend on context.
Assuming we can safely ignore non-English claimants for now then we have Edgar, Harold's 3 sons, and likely Gyrth and Leofwine, as potential Kings.
What are the circumstances of Harold's assassination?
How stands the Godwineson strength in the Witangemot?
If the Godwinesons are the major strength in England can they unite behind a single candidate or will they be divided enough that Edgar can gain the backing of most anti-Godwinson supporters?
 
Assuming we can safely ignore non-English claimants for now then we have Edgar, Harold's 3 sons, and likely Gyrth and Leofwine, as potential Kings.

In addition, depending on how things are going up north, you might have Edwin and Morcar as powers, if not necessarily potential Kings. Their sister Ealdgyth was married to Harold, and I can see them being influential in determining who ends up as King.
 
In addition, depending on how things are going up north, you might have Edwin and Morcar as powers, if not necessarily potential Kings. Their sister Ealdgyth was married to Harold, and I can see them being influential in determining who ends up as King.
Ah yes forgot they survived Hastings. Morcaer will definitely be a power.
 
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