There has long been debate regarding the validity of King Harold’s claim to the throne, so to mark the opening of the new £2.3m visitor centre at Battle Abbey and Battlefield in February, English Heritage www.english-heritage.org.uk are researching the history that might have happened.

A worldwide search has been launched to find the ‘rightful’ heir to the English throne, and if you can trace your family tree back to 1066, you could be in with a chance of claiming the title.

English Heritage is searching for the ancestors of those people who would have been king had William the Conqueror not won the Battle of Hastings.

Adverts have been placed in newspapers around the globe.

‘Might your ancestors have claimed the throne? Then we would like to hear from you.’

Expert Dr Tracy Borman said the group was especially looking for people with links to Edward the Confessor, Edgar the Aetheling and King Harold.

‘We’re looking at what could have happened if King Harold hadn’t been killed by an arrow in the eye.’

But added the present Queen need not worry as ‘the crown has not just been hereditary’.

English Heritage hopes to unveil the new ‘monarch’ at  Battle Abbey and Battlefield Visitor Centre due to open on the site of the battle in Hastings, East Sussex, in February.

Related Link: Coming soon – an exciting new visitor experience at 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield that makes history fun and interactive.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.10659
www.english-heritage.org.uk/battleabbey/community/03_Local_Legends.asp
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