low power

• Edward was not a warrior king
• Edward was not a war leader - someone who gained legitimacy (acceptance) as they gave out wealth and land from defeated enemies
• Earl Godwin of Essex was as rich as the king, his family held so much land he had a bigger army, therefore, he pressured Edward to give Earldoms to his sons
• In 1051, Godwin returned from exile with a fleet and asked for his earldom back, to prevent war, Edward agreed