The Worcester version (D) of the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle states that in ‘1051… Then soon came the duke William from beyond the sea with a great retinue of Frenchmen, and the king received him,’ but there is evidence from Golding that says that William had his own troubles in Normandy. If this is true, this cannot be evidence of an offer as William would not have been able to leave Normandy to be received by the king. Although, there is circumstantial evidence that Edward did offer the throne to counterbalance Godwin as he had become too politically powerful.
There is an inter-textual relationship between the sources by William of Jumiegès and William of Poitiers, they both write with an aim to please who they are writing about so there is a chance that they may exaggerate and their sources support each other’s account of matters. William of Poitiers, 1064/5, the king felt death approaching, “He therefore dispatched Harold to William in order that he might confirm his promise by an oath.” This is confirmed by William of Jumiegès, “He (Edward the Confessor… sent to the duke, Harold the greatest of all the counts in his kingdom alike in riches and honour and power. This he did in order that Harold might guarantee the crown to the duke by his fealty and confirm the same with an oath according to Christian usage,” but Harold was known to be and proved to be a usurper, so his oaths should have been ignored.
On his travels, Harold ‘fell into the hands of Guy, count of Abbeville, who straightway threw him with his retinue into prison.’ This was said by William of Jumiegès and confirmed by William of Poitiers and Eadmer a pro-church and pro-Norman individual. Duke William ‘sent messengers, and by force caused him to be released. Harold thereupon tarried with the duke for some time, and performed fealty to him in respect of the kingdom with many oaths.’ Once again, it should be reminded that Harold is usurper. William of Jumiegès, William of Poitiers and Eadmer all interpreted this differently but still accounted it with the same facts.
Harold remained with William, and when William found out why Harold had been sent, he replied, “King Edward when years before he was detained with him in Normandy… had promised him… that if he, Edward, should ever be King of England, he would make over to William the right to succeed him on the throne as his heir.” This was stated in a source by Eadmer, there is not much evidence supporting this anywhere else but it does make sense as Edward had resided in Normandy during the Viking Invasion and a Norman Duke interested in the English throne was a useful counter to the continuing menace from Scandinavia.
Harold needed to return to Normandy as his brother and nephew were being held as hostages; this is confirmed in sources by Eadmer and Wace although Wace had a habit of romanticising events to ensure a good read. Harold asked leave from Edward, and Edward replied, “I give you leave to go where you will and see what you can do. But I have a presentiment that you will only succeed in bringing misfortune upon the whole kingdom and discredit upon the whole kingdom and discredit upon yourself. This source was by Eadmer and can be confirmed by the Bayeux Tapestry which portrays Edward ‘wagging’ his finger at Harold or warning him.
On his arrival in Normandy, Duke William made an allegiance with Harold, “…take my daughter to be your wife… then I will let you have your nephew now at once, and your brother safe and sound…” Harold had to agree to this as he was treading in dangerous waters which ever way he turned. The Bayeux Tapestry shows Harold making an oath to William. But, Harold was known as to be a purgerer while William a Norman, was faithful to his oaths. A man with a mission from God which in those times woul d have ensured he would have pursued what he wanted.
William had made a proposed offer roughly fifteen years before he passed, in that time much could have changed meaning the offer could have been refuted. Although, that was unlikely as Edward had been giving land to the Normans which may be interpreted as Edward easing the transition of having a Norman rule i.e. Duke William. Even if an offer had been made to William, does it really matter? As Edward had been making offers to many as if he was expecting not to have an heir and their were many claimants to the throne. He even made a death bed promise to Harold, “I commend this woman and all the kingdom in your protection,” which the Archbishop Stigund proclaimed valid.
Overall, I think that an offer was made but this does not matter as William was most likely going to claim the throne anyways as he was a relation of Edward and Norman relations were vital for England. To add to this, I believe Edwards offers were very flimsy and were not firm as an excuse to be claiment of the throne. Harold was a usurper and purgerer, and would have lost the crown with or without the help of William. To conclude; I believe an offer was made but it was flimsy.