Page "Edward the Confessor" Paragraph 10

In 1041, Harthacnut invited Edward back to England, probably as heir because he knew he had not long to live.

The 12th century Quadripartitus, in an account regarded as convincing by historian John Maddicott, states that he was recalled by the intervention of Bishop Ælfwine of Winchester and Earl Godwin.

Edward met " the thegns of all England " at Hursteshever, probably Hurst Head, a shingle spit opposite the Isle of Wight which was the site of the later Hurst Castle.

There he was received as king in return for his oath that he would continue the laws of Cnut.

According to the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle Edward was sworn in as king alongside Harthacnut, but a diploma issued by Harthacnut in 1042 describes him as the king's brother.