Ulf, son of Harold Godwinson facts for kids

Ulf (also known as Wulf) was a son of Harold Godwinson, who was the King of England. Ulf lived around the years 1067 to 1087. He was taken prisoner during the Norman conquest of England. Ulf was held in Normandy until William the Conqueror died.

Ulf's Family and Birth

Ulf's family was very powerful in England before the Normans arrived. His grandfather was Godwin, Earl of Wessex. His father, Harold Godwinson, became King of England in 1066.

Harold had two wives. His first wife was Edith Swan-neck. They were married in a way that was common at the time, but not fully recognized by the church. His second wife was Ealdgyth. She was the sister of two important earls, Edwin and Morcar.

Most historians today think that Edith Swan-neck was Ulf's mother. However, some historians in the past thought it might have been Ealdgyth. It is not completely clear who his mother was.

We also do not know exactly when Ulf was born. Some ideas suggest he was born between 1047 and 1053. Ulf's name is from Scandinavia. It might have come from one of his father's uncles, who was also named Ulf.

Ulf's Time as a Prisoner

At some point during the rule of William the Conqueror, Ulf was captured. This might have happened during the confusing time after the Battle of Hastings. He was taken to Normandy and kept there until 1087.

When William the Conqueror was dying, church leaders asked him to free all his political prisoners. Ulf was one of them. It seems Ulf was not kept in a very strict prison. He was able to learn how to be a skilled warrior on horseback.

After William died, his son Robert Curthose became the Duke of Normandy. Robert made Ulf a knight. He also allowed Ulf to leave Normandy. We do not know if Ulf left or what he did next, as there are no more records about him.

Ancestry