Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

Among the sons of Godwin, earl of Wessex, the eldest, Sweyn, died in 1052. The best known, Harold Godwinsson became king Harold II and junior to him was Tostig who was displaced as earl of Northumbria and joined Harald Hardrada against his elder brother. The next two boys born to Godwin's wife Gytha (she had nine children in all) were Gyrth and Leofwine. When the family returned to England after their banishment of 1051 their earldoms were restored. Leofwine fought alongside Harold at Senlac Hill against William the Bastard and died there as is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry.

See also: Bayeux Tapestry; Godwin; Gyrth Godwinsson; Harald Hardrada; Harold Godwinsson; Senlac Hill; Tostig Godwinsson; William the Bastard