tigand was the last Anglo-Saxon Archbishop of Canterbury. In around 1020 he became King Canute's priest and was installed at the new foundation of Ashingdon in Essex. Later, in 1043, he obtained the bishopric of Elmham. Stigand was the chaplain and close to Queen Emma, the mother of Edward the Confessor, and when Edward learnt that she was plotting to remove him from the throne, he had all of her lands and wealth seized. Stigand, being close to the Queen suffered the same fate and lost his bishopric. But within the year Stigand had his bishopric back and was accepted in the King's court. He was able to secure a peaceful retirement from politics for Queen Emma who retired to Winchester. Stigand was close the Godwin family sharing their dislike of the Normans that had great influence over King Edward, and amongst those who had greatest influence was Robert Champart, the bishop of London. When, in 1047, Stigand was promoted to the bishop of Winchester, Robert did not block the appointment as it removed the bishop from the court. But the tables were turned in 1052, when the Godwin family returned to England after being expelled by the King. On their return, Robert Champart was forced to flee Canterbury and Stigand was given its Archbishopric.
At the death of Edward the Confessor in 1066 Stigand was a member of the Witan that chose Harold as the new King of England. Edgar the Atheling, the true heir to the throne being too young to rule. But by the end of year William the Conqueror had invaded England and Stigand along with the other religious leaders left London to meet and accept their new King.
