Edwin, Earl of Mercia facts for kids

Edwin (died 1071) was an important English nobleman during the time of the Norman Conquest. He was the older brother of Morcar, Earl of Northumbria, and the son of Ælfgār, Earl of Mercia. When his father died in 1062, Edwin took over his title and duties as the Earl of Mercia. His name, Earl Edwin (Eduin comes), can be found in the famous Domesday Book, a survey of England made by William the Conqueror.

Who Was Edwin's Family?

Edwin came from a powerful family in England. His younger brother, Morcar, became the Earl of Northumbria in 1065. This happened after the people of Northumbria removed their previous earl, Tostig Godwinson.

Edwin also had a sister named Ealdgyth. She was married to Harold Godwinson, who later became King Harold II of England. Sadly, Harold died at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

Edwin's Role in History

Edwin played a part in the major events leading up to and during the Norman Conquest of England.

Fighting Against Tostig and Harald Hardrada

In 1066, Tostig Godwinson, the former Earl of Northumbria, attacked Mercia. Edwin and Morcar fought him off, forcing Tostig to flee to Scotland. Later that year, Tostig returned with a huge Norwegian army led by King Harald Hardrada of Norway.

Edwin and Morcar's forces faced them at the Battle of Fulford, near York, on September 20. The Norwegian army won this battle. However, just five days later, King Harold Godwinson's English army arrived. Harold defeated and killed both Harald Hardrada and Tostig at the Battle of Stamford Bridge on September 25.

After the Battle of Hastings

Edwin and Morcar were not at the Battle of Hastings, where King Harold Godwinson was killed by Duke William's invading Norman army. After Harold's death, Edwin and Morcar were key supporters of a new leader, Edgar the Ætheling. They had hoped that one of them might be chosen as king, but they didn't manage to stop the Normans effectively. Soon after, they surrendered to Duke William.

Rebellion and Death

In 1068, Edwin and Morcar tried to start a rebellion in Mercia. However, when William the Conqueror moved his army against them, they quickly gave up. Edwin died in 1071. He was on his way to Scotland when some of his own companions betrayed him to the Normans, and he was killed.

What Happened to Edwin's Lands?

After Edwin's death, his lands, which were mainly in Gilling West within his brother's earldom of Northumbria, were given to a Norman lord named Alain Le Roux (also known as Alan Rufus). This happened in 1071 or possibly earlier. The area was then renamed Richmondshire, also known as the Honour of Richmond.

Edwin in Stories and Books

Edwin has appeared in some fictional works:

• He was played by Adam Bareham in the 1990 TV show Blood Royal: William the Conqueror.
• Edwin is mentioned in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) by Lewis Carroll. In the book, the Mouse tries to dry itself and other characters by telling a very "dry" (boring) part of English history. It's interesting to know that Lewis Carroll was actually distantly related to both Edwin and Morcar!