Ælfgar, Earl of Mercia facts for kids
Ælfgar was an important English nobleman who lived a long time ago, around the year 1000. He was the son of a famous lady named Godgifu, also known as Lady Godiva, and Leofric, the Earl of Mercia. When his father passed away in 1057, Ælfgar took over his important role as the Earl of Mercia. He also became the Earl of East Anglia for a while. Ælfgar faced challenges, including being sent away from England for a time. His daughter later married Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, the King of Wales. After Ælfgar's death, his daughter became a widow and then married Harold, who became the King of England.
Ælfgar's Time in Power
Ælfgar became more powerful when Earl Godwin of Wessex and his sons were sent away from England in 1051. Ælfgar was given the Earldom of East Anglia, which had belonged to Harold, Godwin's son.
Changes in Power
The next year, Earl Godwin and King Edward the Confessor made up. So, Harold got his earldom back. But this didn't last long. In 1053, Godwin died, and Harold became the Earl of Wessex. This meant the Earldom of East Anglia went back to Ælfgar.
Conflicts and Exile
Ælfgar seemed to learn from how Godwin put pressure on King Edward. When Ælfgar was sent away from England in 1055, he gathered a fleet of 18 ships in Ireland. Then, he went to Wales, where King Gruffydd ap Llywelyn agreed to join forces with him. They planned to fight against King Edward.
On October 24, near Hereford, Ælfgar and Gruffydd fought against the army of Earl Ralph the Timid. Earl Ralph and his men ran away. Gruffydd and Ælfgar chased them, hurting many people. They attacked Hereford, burning parts of the town and killing many citizens.
King Edward ordered an army to be gathered, and Earl Harold was put in charge. This was a much stronger army. Ælfgar and Gruffydd fled to south Wales. However, the problem was solved through talks, and Earl Ælfgar was allowed to return to his position.
Ælfgar's Family
Ælfgar is thought to have married a woman named Ælgifu. She might have been the sister of William Malet, a powerful lord. Ælfgar had at least four children. We don't know exactly when they were born.
- Burgheard (died 1061): He passed away before his father.
- Edwin (died 1071): He later became the Earl of Mercia.
- Morcar (died after 1087): He later became the Earl of Northumbria.
- Ealdgyth: She was a queen. First, she married Gruffydd ap Llywelyn, the King of Wales. Later, she married Harold II, who became the King of England.
Ælfgar's son Burgheard died in 1061 while returning from Rome. He was buried in Reims. Because of this, Ælfgar gave land in Staffordshire and Shropshire to Reims Abbey. This land helped to start Lapley Priory. Ælfgar had three other children who lived longer than him.
Ælfgar's Death
Ælfgar is believed to have died around the year 1062. This was several years before the famous Battle of Hastings in 1066. His daughter's children, who were related to the defeated King Harold, are thought to have lived away from England after the battle.
