Godwin, Earl of Wessex facts for kids

Godwin of Wessex (Old English: Godwine; c. 1001 – 15 April 1053) was a very powerful English nobleman. He became one of the most important earls in England under the Danish king Cnut the Great. Cnut made Godwin the first Earl of Wessex around 1020.

Godwin was the father of Harold II, who became King of England in 1066. His daughter, Edith of Wessex, married King Edward the Confessor in 1045. Godwin's family became one of the most influential in England.

Godwin's Rise to Power

Godwin was born around 1001, probably in Sussex. His father was likely Wulfnoth Cild, a local lord. Wulfnoth was accused of crimes in 1009 and fled with ships. Godwin probably supported Æthelstan Ætheling, an older son of King Æthelred. When Æthelstan died in 1014, he left land to Godwin. This land in Compton, Sussex, had once belonged to Godwin's father.

After Cnut the Great became King of England in 1016, Godwin quickly gained power. By 1018, he was an earl. Around 1020, he became the Earl of all Wessex, a large and important part of England.

Between 1019 and 1023, Godwin went with King Cnut on a trip to Denmark. He proved himself to be a brave and skilled leader. Soon after, he married Gytha. She was the sister of a powerful Danish earl named Ulf the Earl. Ulf was married to Cnut's own sister, Estrid. This marriage made Godwin even more connected to the royal family.

Kings After Cnut

When King Cnut died in 1035, his sons fought over who would rule England. These sons were Harold Harefoot and Harthacnut. Godwin supported Harthacnut. However, Harthacnut was busy fighting in Denmark. So, it was agreed that Harold would rule England for a while.

In 1036, Alfred Ætheling, another son of King Æthelred, tried to invade England. Godwin stopped him and handed him over to Harold Harefoot. Alfred was later harmed and died. Godwin's role in this event was debated, and it left a mark on his reputation. In 1037, Harold was recognized as king, likely with Godwin's help.

In 1040, Harold Harefoot died. Godwin then supported Harthacnut, who became King of England. When Harthacnut died in 1042, Godwin helped Edward the Confessor become king. Edward was the last surviving son of King Æthelred. Edward had lived in Normandy for many years. His rule brought the old English royal family back to the throne.

Later Conflicts and Godwin's Death

England in 1065. The areas in white show lands controlled by Godwin's family.

Godwin made sure his daughter, Edith, married King Edward in 1045. This made his family even more important.

King Edward started bringing many advisors and priests from Normandy, where he had grown up. Godwin did not like this. He led the opposition against these new Norman influences. After a fight between people from Dover and a visiting French count named Eustace II, King Edward ordered Godwin to punish the people of Dover. Godwin refused, choosing to support his own countrymen.

King Edward saw this as a challenge to his power. He got support from other powerful earls, Siward, Earl of Northumbria and Leofric, Earl of Mercia. In September 1051, Godwin and his sons were forced to leave England. Godwin, his wife Gytha, and sons Sweyn, Tostig, and Gyrth went to Flanders. His sons Leofwine and Harold went to Dublin, where they got help from the King of Leinster.

In 1052, Godwin and his sons returned to England with armed forces. They gained support from the navy, townspeople, and farmers. King Edward had no choice but to give Godwin his earldom back. This event showed how powerful Godwin had become.

The year after he returned, Godwin died suddenly on April 15. He collapsed at a royal dinner in Winchester. People at the time said he had a sudden illness, possibly a stroke. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle says that he lost his speech and strength and died a few days later.

After Godwin's death, his son Harold (later King Harold II) took over as Earl of Wessex. This meant he controlled a large part of southern England. Other sons of Godwin also gained important earldoms. By 1066, Godwin's family controlled most of England. Harold became King of England in 1066. However, he was overthrown and killed during the Norman Conquest later that year.

Godwin's Family

Children

• Sweyn Godwinson, Earl of Herefordshire (born around 1020 – died 1052)
• Harold II of England (born around 1022 – died 1066)
• Edith of Wessex, Queen of England (born around 1025 – died 1075), wife of King Edward the Confessor
• Tostig Godwinson, Earl of Northumbria (born around 1026 – died 1066)
• Gyrth Godwinson, Earl of East Anglia (born around 1032 – died 1066)
• Leofwine Godwinson, Earl of Kent (born around 1035 – died 1066)
• Wulfnoth Godwinson (born around 1040 – died after 1087)
• Alfgar, possibly a monk
• Edgiva
• Elgiva (died around 1066)
• Gunhilda, a nun (died 1087)

Family Tree

See also

• Ancestry of the Godwins
• House of Wessex family tree
• Cnut the Great's family tree