Leofwine Godwinson facts for kids
Leofwine Godwinson (born around 1035 – died October 14, 1066) was a younger brother of Harold Godwinson, who later became King of England. He was the fifth son of Earl Godwin, a very powerful nobleman in England.
Early Life and Exile
In 1051, Leofwine's family, the Godwinsons, were forced to leave England. This was a difficult time for them. Leofwine went with his brother Harold to Ireland. There, they found help and shelter from Diarmait mac Máel na mBó, who was the King of Leinster.
The family returned to England the next year, in 1052. However, Leofwine was not present when his father, Earl Godwin, passed away in April 1053.
Rise to Power
After their father's death, the Godwinson family remained very powerful in England. Harold, Leofwine's older brother, took over their father's important title as Earl of Wessex. This made Harold the second most powerful person in England, right after the king.
Leofwine also gained important titles. Between 1055 and 1057, he became an Earl himself. He was given control over several areas, including Kent, Essex, Middlesex, Hertford, Surrey, and likely Buckinghamshire. An Earl was a high-ranking noble who governed a large area for the king.
With Leofwine's new lands and his brother Gyrth's control over East Anglia, Cambridgeshire, and Oxfordshire, the Godwinson family now held power over almost all of eastern England. This showed how influential their family had become.
Death at Hastings
Leofwine Godwinson died on October 14, 1066, during the famous Battle of Hastings. This was a major battle where the Norman army, led by William the Conqueror, fought against the English army. Leofwine was killed fighting alongside his brothers, King Harold and Gyrth. Their deaths marked a huge turning point in English history.
Images for kids
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A scene from the Bayeux Tapestry showing King Edward the Confessor.
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Leofwine's death at the Battle of Hastings, shown in the Bayeux Tapestry. The Latin words mean: "Here have fallen dead Leofwine and Gyrth, brothers of King Harold."
