The House of Godwin

• Important members of the Godwin family

  • Earl Godwin of Wessex
  • Harold Godwinson
  • Tostig Godwinson
  • Edith
  • Gif
  • Leofwine
  • Wulfnoth
• Earl Godwin of Wessex died in 1053
• Earl Godwin of Wessex was married to a Danish woman


  Culturally important due to the mix of Saxon and Danish names and the political implications
• Harold Godwinson became Earl of Wessex and Sussex in 1050
• Harold Godwinson claimed the throne in 1066 and later became King of England
• Tostig Godwinson became Earl of Northumbria in 1055
• Harold Godwinson ousted Tostig on behalf of King Edward in 1065
• Tostig Godwinson sided with Harald Hardrada in the invasion of 1066 and died during that time
• Edith became Queen of England by marrying Edward the Confessor
• Gif was Earl of East Anglia and Leofwine was Earl of Kent
• Gif and Leofwine were killed in the Battle of Hastings in 1066
• Wulfnoth became a hostage to the Normans in 1051
• Earl Godwin's sons, the Godwinsons, became Earls and dominated English politics
• The Godwins were advisers to the king, giving them power and influence over laws and taxes
• The Godwins helped Edward the Confessor become King of England
• Harold Godwinson was a great military leader, making him popular and a powerful ally of the king
• The Godwins had huge wealth due to their ability to keep some taxes and their land ownership
• Edward the Confessor's marriage to Edith strengthened the Godwins' royal connections
• Harold Godwinson led the king's army, gaining vital experience in defending the country
• The lack of an heir from Edith and Edward led to a succession crisis and Harold Godwinson becoming the King of England