Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

In England under Edward the Confessor there was considerable tension between the Anglo-Saxon, the Viking and the Norman influences. In his youth Edward had been sent for his own safety to the court of the Duke of Normandy and there he stayed while the Danes, in the form of King Cnut (Canute) and his descendants, ruled England. One of the most powerful of the great earls of England, Godwin stood in the centre of affairs, having first helped Canute's son Harold to the throne and then been responsible for Edward's succession. Further, Edward married Godwin's daughter Edith. In spite of this, Edward remained inclined to favour Normans and Norman customs. He took the part of Eustace of Boulogne against his own subjects at Dover, and then banished Godwin and his sons, Tostig, Gyrth, Leofwine and Harold, and sent Edith to a convent. The Wessex men soon returned and Edward was forced to pardon them, restore their power and turn over to Harold Godwinsson the virtual command of affairs, retaining only his religious interests. Godwin died in 1053.Godwin's youngest son, Wuflnoth, was given as a hostage to guarantee the settlement.

See also: Anglo-Saxon; Danes; Edward the Confessor; Eustace of Boulogne; Gyrth; Harold Godwinsson; King Cnut; Leofwine; Norman; Tostig; Viking

Related Reading:

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