When discussing the three Kings of England in 1066, most people immediately think of Harold and William. However, there was a third king who played a significant role during this tumultuous time in English history. That king was Edgar the Atheling.

Edgar the Atheling was the last member of the royal House of Wessex and was proclaimed king by the Witenagemot, an early English parliament, after the death of Harold at the Battle of Hastings. Despite being only a teenager at the time, Edgar was seen as a legitimate claimant to the throne due to his royal bloodline.

Unfortunately for Edgar, his reign was short-lived as William the Conqueror quickly asserted his dominance over England and was crowned king in December 1066. Edgar was forced to submit to William's rule, and his claim to the throne was effectively extinguished.

Despite his brief and ultimately unsuccessful reign, Edgar the Atheling remains an important figure in English history. His claim to the throne represents the last stand of the Anglo-Saxon monarchy before the Norman Conquest reshaped the political landscape of England.

Today, Edgar the Atheling is often overshadowed by the more well-known figures of Harold and William, but his role in the events of 1066 should not be overlooked. His story serves as a reminder of the complex power struggles and political intrigue that defined this pivotal moment in English history.

In conclusion, when discussing the three Kings of England in 1066, it is important to remember the often-forgotten figure of Edgar the Atheling. While his reign may have been short-lived, his claim to the throne and the events surrounding it played a crucial role in shaping the future of England. Edgar the Atheling may not be as famous as Harold or William, but his place in history is no less significant.

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