Birth of Tostig
Birth of Tostig, son of Earl Godwin of Wessex, and brother of Harold & Gyrth, the third son of Godwin and Gytha, daughter of Thorgils Sprakaleg
Historical biography archive · Updated 2026-11-03
Tostig Biography and Timeline
Follow Tostig through 61 dated historical records for England.
Tostig, historical timeline
A chronological timeline drawn from matching World History Database records.
61Distinct records
1 of 2Page
1025–1065Years on this page
1025
1051
Exile of Tostig
Tostig and his father are banished from England. The Godwins are sent into exile, after complaining about too many Norman advisers
Marriage
Tostig marries Judith, daughter of Baldwin IV, the count of Flanders
1052
Exile of Tostig
The army & navy support Godwin, Edward restores the Godwin estates
1055
Death of Tostig
Death of Siward, Edward makes Tostig Earl of Northumbria, Northshire and Huntshire
Peerage
Created Earl of Huntingdonshire by his brother-in-law Edward the Confessor
Peerage
Created Earl of Northamptonshire by his brother-in-law Edward the Confessor
Peerage
Created Earl of Northumbria by his brother-in-law Edward the Confessor
1061
Pilgrimage
Tostig & his wife Judith & Gyrth go as pilgrims to Rome & meet Pope Nicholas II
Capture of Cumberland
Malcolm invades Northumbria & captures Cumberland while Tostig is in Rome
Capture of Northumberland
Accepts Malcolms capture of Northumberland & agrees a peace Treaty
1063
Invasion of Wales
Tostig leads the cavalry in this successful operation. Edward the Confessor orders Tostig & Harold to invade Wales
1064
Execution
Orders the execution of Ulf after he complains about Tostigs high taxes. Orders the execution of Gamel after he complains about Tostigs high taxes
1065
Council of York
200 senior thegns choose Morcar to become their new leader
Council of York
Northumbrian leaders reject Tostig and choose Morcar to replace him as earl.
Declaration of War
The standard of revolt is raised in Yorkshire. Morcar is declared the new Earl. A coalition of Yorkshire, Northumbria & Mercia against Tostig
Northumbrian Revolt
Northumbrian rebels move against Tostig's officials and declare that they will no longer accept his rule.
Abdication
At a general Witen Tostigs laws are anulled & Tostig is deposed
Council of Oxford
At Oxford, Harold accepts the Northumbrian demands, Tostig remains outlawed, and Morcar is recognised as Earl of Northumbria.
Council of Oxford
Morcar, Harolds brother-in-law, became the new Earl of Northumbria. Harold yields to the rebels demands & banishes Tostig from the country. At a general Witen Tostigs laws are anulled & Cnuts reinstated
Deposition Confirmed
The settlement at Oxford confirms Tostig's removal and recognizes Morcar as the new earl.
Deposition
The October settlement accepts Tostig's deposition from Northumbria and confirms Morcar as the new earl.
Exile Settlement
The Oxford settlement leaves Tostig in exile and confirms Morcar as Earl of Northumbria.
Exile of Tostig
Morcar, Harolds brother-in-law, became the new Earl of Northumbria. Forced into exile in Norway
Oxford Negotiations
Negotiations at Oxford end without restoring Tostig to Northumbria.
Loss of Northumbria
Tostig loses effective control of Northumbria when the rebels choose Morcar in his place.
Outlawry of Tostig
The Northumbrian assembly outlaws Tostig and rejects his authority as earl.
Appeal for Royal Restoration
Tostig seeks royal support for restoration to his earldom after the Northumbrian uprising.
Attack on Tostig's Household
Rebels attack Tostig's household in York and destroy the local machinery of his rule.
Killing of Tostig's Retainers
Northumbrian rebels kill members of Tostig's household and officials during the seizure of York.
Northampton Confrontation
The rebel host reaches Northampton, increasing pressure on Edward to abandon Tostig's restoration.
Northumbrian Rising
Northumbrian thegns rise against Tostig's government while he is away from York.
Rebel Advance into the Midlands
Tostig's opponents march south through the Midlands while demanding recognition of Morcar as earl.
Seizure of Tostig's Treasury
The rebels seize Tostig's treasure, weapons and property after taking control of York.
Tostig at Britford
Tostig remains with King Edward at Britford while news of the Northumbrian revolt reaches the royal court.
Arrival at Saint-Omer
Tostig reaches Saint-Omer, where Baldwin V provides accommodation for his exiled household.
Departure from England
Tostig leaves England with his wife and loyal followers after his deposition is accepted.
Refuge in Flanders
Tostig takes refuge in Flanders under the protection of Count Baldwin V.
Household in Exile
Tostig establishes his household in exile at Saint-Omer under Baldwin V's protection.
Winter Exile
Tostig spends the winter at Saint-Omer after losing his Northumbrian earldom.
Records, sources and methodology
These dates and descriptions come from the historical_events database. Exact duplicate records have been collapsed. Names are grouped by the country, Name 2 and Name 1 fields; records with missing Name 2 cannot be reliably assigned to an individual biography. Check the underlying sources before formal citation.