Norman Conquest Encyclopedia

The Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Wessex was founded by Cerdic who arrived in England in about 495 AD. A century later the kingdom covered most of southern England west of London, with the shires of Hampshire, Wiltshire and Berkshire forming its heart. By the 11th century the old kingdoms were subject to the king of England and governed, in theory on his behalf, by earls. Godwin, earl of Wessex, was the focus and representative of Anglo-Saxon influence in England at the time of the Norman-favouring Edward the Confessor, and it was his son Harold who became king instead of William the Bastard, duke of Normandy, to whom Edward had promised the throne.

See also: Earl; Edward the Confessor; Harold Godwinsson; London; Norman; William the Bastard

Related Reading:

• Saxon Viking Norman
  (Men-at-Arms 85)