The House of Godwine

Earl Godwine

Appointed to Wessex by Cnut, and killed Alfred
In 1060, only Wessex was not ruled by a Godwine.
Thier estates were £7000, the King only had 5000.
They built up housecarls and followers from granting land.
He averted disaster by acting as king-maker to Ed, marrying him and Edith
Ed brought in Norman hepers to possibly rig Eusatce of Boulogne's attack.
Ed initially said he would only restore Godwine if he returned Alfred alive to him.
After Godwine landed an army in London, Ed conceded.
He blamed his Norman friends, who he had to banish.

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1046, Swein kidnapped the abbess of Leominster, and Ed exiled him and took his lands.
1049, he returned, tried to make peace then kidnapped his cousin Beorn.
Killed Beorn and declared a 'Nithing' by the earls.
Godwine supported his return, but Harold sided with the Witan.
1050, Swein allowed back, not restored to lands and told to go on pilgramage- he died on the way.
Harold was described as a deputy king.
Ed knew little about the political system or supporters.
The Godwines were powerful, but they also helped stabalise England.

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The Vita Edwardi says Harold was strong, handsome, and confident.
He was formidable, willing to comprimise, and a good leader.
1055, Gryffdd ad Llewelyn declared himself king of Wales
He invaded the Welsh marches with Elfgar, a banished earl
They invaded Hereford next- Edward sent Harold.
Harold restored Elfgar and gave Gryffdd territory for Ed's overlordship and peace.
1056, Gryffdd defeated the bishop of Hereford.
When Harold attacked he had to concede more terriory and see Gryffdd as king.
Elfgar and Magnus of Norway joined Gryffdd- Magnus was bribed and Elfgar restored.
1062, Harold carried out a suprise attack and in 1063, a campaign with Tostig.
Living off the land, the English wore leather instead of armour and used javelins.
They broke the Welsh morale and Gryffdd's men turned against him and kileld him.
This shows Harold's ability, and that of the English army.

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1064, Harold went to France- Poitiers says to offer the throne.
He was shipwrecked at Ponthieu and rescued by William
He swore loyalty to William and to help him become king
They campaigned in Brittany together.
But, why didn't Ed summon William to court?
Not mentioned in the Vita or ASC.
Possibly added to frame Harold as a perjerer and userper and to win Papal support.
Harold could have asked for William's support or relased his nephews and brother.
He could have sworn it under pressure (didn't count)

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