How did Edward the Confessor's marriage affect the Godwins' power?

• A. Edward married Earl Godwin's daughter, making him kin to the Godwins
• B. Edward exiled the Godwins
• C. Edward refused to appoint their bishops
• D. Edward divided their lands among rivals

Answer: (A)

Kinship ties through marriage can shift power at the top of a kingdom. Edward the Confessor’s marriage to Godwin’s daughter created a direct family link between the royal household and the most powerful noble family in England. This made the Godwins part of the king’s inner circle, so they could more easily influence royal decisions, push their relatives into key positions, and shape policy from the center of government. The result was a notable increase in their authority and leverage at court. The other scenarios—exiling the Godwins, blocking their bishops, or dividing their lands—don’t reflect what the marriage achieved, since the alliance through marriage strengthened their status rather than undermining or sidelining them.