Tosti in a rage departed the kingdom, and took shelter in Flanders with Earl Baldwin, his father-in-law.
By this marriage, Harold broke all measures with the duke of Normandy, and William clearly perceived that he could no longer rely on the oaths and promises which he had extorted from him.

But the English nobleman was now in such a situation, that he deemed it no longer necessary to dissemble.

He had, in his conduct towards the Northumbrians, given such a specimen of his moderation as had gained him the affections of his countrymen.

He saw that almost all England was engaged in his interests; while he himself possessed the government of Wessex, Morcar that of Northumberland, and Edwin that of Mercia.

He now openly aspired to the succession; and insisted, that since it was necessary, by the confession of all, to set aside the royal family, on account of the imbecility of Edgar, the sole surviving heir, there was no one so capable of filling the throne, as a nobleman of great power of mature age, of long experience, of approved courage and abilities, who, being a native of the kingdom, would effectually secure it against the dominion and tyranny of foreigners.