Earl Godwin

Also known as: Godwin / Godwin the earl / the earl · Role: earl · First appears: A.D. 1006–1010

In 1009, Wulnoth was named as Earl Godwin’s father. In 1036, Godwin let Alfred son of Ethelred go and imprisoned him; that year, Godwin and other powerful men also prevented an unspecified action. In 1043, Edward son of Ethelred married Godwin’s daughter Edgitha, and Godwin was among the earls advised to ride with the king against Emma. In 1046, his son Earl Sweyne came to Bosham with seven ships.

In 1048, Godwin refused Edward’s order to attack Dover, saying he was unwilling to harm his own people. Godwin and Sweyne then sailed overseas and sought Earl Baldwin’s protection, remaining there through the winter; in 1049, Godwin sailed from Sandwich to Pevensey with Beorn. In 1051, he and his sons Sweyne and Harold son of Godwin gathered forces at Langtree, prepared to fight the king unless Eustace and his men were handed over. Edward proclaimed Godwin, his wife, and his sons Sweyne, Tosty, and Grith outlaws. Godwin left with family members for Thorney, then went overseas with Sweyne to seek Baldwin’s protection. His son Leofwine son of Godwin is recorded in 1052.

In 1052, Godwin and Harold gathered forces against the king; the king’s side declared Godwin and his sons outlaws, and Godwin and his companions went from Thorney to Bruges. Stigand helped broker an agreement involving hostages, after which Edward restored Godwin’s friendship, earldom, and former possessions, along with those of his children and supporters. Godwin died in 1053 and was buried at Winchester. That year, Harold took the earldom his father had held.