Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

The Anglo-Saxon power in England in the mid-11th century resided in the hands of a few noble houses. Mercia was the fief of Leofric, Northumbria of Siward (who had replaced the unpleasant and incompetent Tostig) and Godwin held Wessex. Edwin and his brother Morcar were Leofric's grandsons. Their sister Edith married, first, the Welsh prince Gruffyd ap Llywelyn and after his death was married to Harold Godwinsson in an attempt to promote Anglo-Saxon unity. In 1066, when Harald Hardrada and Tostig threatened York, Edwin and his brother fought the invaders at Gate Fulford but were defeated. After the success of William the Conqueror they lay low for a while, but rose against him briefly in 1068. Edwin was killed by his own followers as he was making for Scotland in 1071 while his brother was lending support to the futile rising of Hereward the Wake.

See also: Anglo-Saxon; Gate Fulford; Godwin; Harald Hardrada; Harold Godwinsson; Hereward the Wake; Morcar; William the Conqueror; York

Related Reading:

• Hastings 1066 (Revised Edition) - The Fall of Saxon England
  (Campaign 13 )