Godwin of Wessex Biography

Birth of Godwin of Wessex

Birth of Godwin, seventh generation descendant of King Ethelred of Wessex

Marries Thyra Sveinsdottir, daughter of Sweyn I, King of Denmark, Norway & England

Created Earl of Wessesx by Canute

Marries Gytha Thorkelsdottir, great-granddaughter of Harold Bluetooth

Created Earl of Wessex

Birth of Edith, daughter of Godwin, Earl of Wessex

Godwin is reported to have either captured Alfred or to have deceived him by pretending to be his ally and then surrendering him to the forces of Harold Harefoot

Harold Harefoot died and Godwin supported the accession of his half-brother Harthacnut to the throne of England

Edwards reign restores the native royal house of Wessex to the throne of England

When Harthacnut himself died in 1042 Godwin finally supported the claim of his half-brother Edward the Confessor to the throne. Godwin supports the claim of his half-brother Edward the Confessor. Edward's reign restores the native royal house of Wessex to the throne of England

Godwin secures the marriage of his daughter, Edith, to Edward the Confessor

Exiled for refusing to punish Dover for a clash with Eustace II

Exiled for refusing to punish Dover for a clash with Eustace II

Returns with an armed force, compelling Edward to restore his Earldom

Death of Godwin of Wessex

Edward is succeeded by his brother in law, Godwins son Harold