The Challenges of a King

by K. M. Ashman

Book 1 in the Road to Hastings series.

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In AD 1045 Earl Godwin of Wessex prepares for the marriage of his daughter Edith to King Edward, securing the Godwin family's place at the centre of English government. The arrangement offers stability, but Edward's Norman advisers—particularly Robert of Jumièges—regard the family's power as an obstacle to royal authority.

Disputes over appointments, land and loyalty deepen until the crisis of 1051 drives Godwin and his sons into exile. Harold must help preserve the family while Edward's court moves closer to Normandy, establishing the promises and resentments that will later shape the struggle for the English throne.

Historical periods

Early Medieval Anglo-Saxon England Norman Conquest of England

Genres

Biographical Fiction Court & Political Fiction Family Sagas

Historical people

Harold Godwinson1022–1066 Godwin, Earl of Wessexdied 1053 Edward the Confessordied 1066 Edith of Wessexdied 1075 Robert of Jumiègesc. 11th century–1055