Betrayal

This chapter begins by mentioning the Vita, which paints a picture of Edward the Confessor enjoying peaceful pursuits while delegating military tasks to his commanders Harold and Tostig. It analyzes how Edward liked to delegate in accordance with contemporary guidance on kingship with Harold and Tostig as his deputies. It talks about Edward's policy to let Harold and Tostig build their empires, so that they would take better care of his. The chapter looks into Tostig's dealings with the Scots that had been effective in the eight years he had occupied the northern earldom. It describes how Tostig negotiated a truce with Malcolm and brought him to submit to Edward with the aid of the northern bishops.

Introduction

This chapter provides a background on the reign of Edward the Confessor, which was followed by the Norman Conquest that intensified the spotlight on his performance. It confirms whether Edward was a weak king who doomed England by promising it first to William then Harold. The chapter begins with events on how Edward obtained the throne in ruthless times and held it almost twenty-four years from 1042 to 1066. The chapter also analyzes whether Edward's survival was due more to luck or judgement or whether he merely occupied the throne or made his reign a success. It describes the era of Edward, when a king was regarded as successful if he ruled justly enough not to be called a tyrant, held his kingdom in relative peace, and passed it safely to an heir.

Conclusion

This chapter analyzes how Edward the Confessor strived for the throne and how he was ruled by his in-laws. It points out that Edward regarded the throne as a birthright that he strived for and obtained. It talks about the decades spent awaiting Edward's inheritance that translated into a conscientious ethic of service. The chapter explains Edward's preference for peace for himself and his neighbors, which is an indication of how suffering left him with little appetite for harshness and with a need to cling to favourites. It mentions the innovative systems he implemented for defending the coast and the Welsh march as well as the work he has done for the military and spiritual safeguarding of his subjects. It also looks into Edward's response to reform the papacy with practical initiatives.