Odda of Deerhurst facts for kids
Odda of Deerhurst was an important Anglo-Saxon nobleman. He lived from before 993 until 1056. Odda became a powerful leader in 1051. This happened when King Edward the Confessor made him an earl. He was given control over some lands after Godwin, Earl of Wessex and his sons were sent away. Later, Earl Godwin came back into the king's favor. Odda then received a new earldom in the west of England. He became a monk later in his life and was buried at Pershore Abbey.
Who Was Odda?
Odda first appears in old records around 1013 or 1014. This was during the time of King Æthelred the Unready. Because of this, we think he was born no later than 993. Odda had a brother named Ælfric, who died in 1053. Odda built a special chapel for his brother at Deerhurst. He also had a sister named Ealdgyth.
Some old writings say that Odda was a relative of King Edward the Confessor. This connection would have been very important for his career. His father's name was "Elfer," which is another way of saying Ælfhere.
Odda's Rise to Power
Odda witnessed official documents during the reigns of several kings. These included Æthelred, Cnut, Harold Harefoot, and Harthacnut. But he became truly important during the reign of King Edward the Confessor.
Old records show that Odda owned a lot of land. He had at least 167 "hides" of land. A "hide" was a way to measure land in Anglo-Saxon times. This amount of land made him one of the richest and most powerful landowners in England. He owned half of the large estate of Deerhurst in Gloucestershire. He also had smaller lands in Devon, Herefordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire.
Odda and Earl Godwin
Odda gained a lot when King Edward and Earl Godwin had a big disagreement. In 1051, Earl Godwin was sent away from England. His lands and titles were taken from him. King Edward then made Odda the earl of several areas. These included Somerset, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall. Other powerful men also gained from Godwin's exile.
However, Earl Godwin tried to return to England in 1052. Earls Odda and Ralf of Mantes led the king's forces to stop him. They managed to push back Godwin's invasion in Sussex. But in the end, King Edward had to let Godwin and his sons come back. They got their lands and titles back. This meant Odda lost his earldom in the west. But he remained an earl. He was given new lands in Worcestershire and possibly Gloucestershire as a replacement.
Later Life and Legacy
Odda built Odda's Chapel in Deerhurst. This chapel was a special place where prayers would be said for his brother Ælfric. Ælfric had died in 1053 and was buried at Pershore Abbey.
Odda himself died at Deerhurst on August 31, 1056. Before he died, he became a monk. Bishop Aldred of Worcester made him a monk. Odda might have taken the monk's name Æthelwine. He was also buried at Pershore Abbey, just like his brother.
A writer named John of Worcester described Odda as a very good person. He said Odda was "a lover of churches, restorer of the poor, defender of widows and orphans, helper of the oppressed, guardian of chastity." This shows that Odda was respected for his kindness and good deeds.
