Edwin, Earl of Mercia

Edwin, known in Old English as Ēadwine, was the son of Ælfgār, Earl of Mercia, and the grandson of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. He became Earl of Mercia following his father’s death in 1062. Recorded as Earl Edwin in the Domesday Book, he was the elder brother of Morcar, Earl of Northumbria, and Ealdgyth, who was married to Harold Godwinson.

Edwin’s career was marked by significant military and political events. In 1066, he repulsed an attack by his brother-in-law Tostig Godwinson, and later that year, faced defeat alongside Morcar at the Battle of Fulford. After Harold Godwinson’s death at Hastings, Edwin supported Edgar the Ætheling’s claim to the throne. He made an unsuccessful attempt at rebellion against Norman rule in 1068, and in 1071, while en route to Scotland, he was betrayed and killed by his own men.