Godwin, son of Harold Godwinson
mid- to late 1040s - 1069
House: Wessex
Godwin or Godwine, active between 1066 and 1069, was likely the eldest son of Harold Godwinson, King of England. Born in the mid- to late 1040s, he was part of a powerful Anglo-Saxon family. His mother, Edith Swan-neck, was married to Harold in a manner not recognized by the Church but accepted by the laity. Godwin was educated to be a nobleman, focusing on military and diplomatic skills, though he was too young to fight at the Battle of Hastings.
After Harold's defeat at Hastings, Godwin and his brothers were exiled to Dublin due to the Norman conquest. In Dublin, under King Diarmait's protection, Godwin led two expeditions to south-western England, both of which were unsuccessful. During these raids, they attacked areas around the Bristol Channel but failed to gain significant support or success. Godwin's attempts to reclaim power were thwarted, and he returned to Dublin without achieving his goals.
In 1069, Godwin and his brothers launched another raid from Dublin, targeting Exeter and parts of Devon. This raid also ended in failure, with many of their troops killed in battle. Following these setbacks, Godwin likely accompanied his family to Flanders and then to Denmark, seeking support from King Swein Estrithson. However, Swein did not assist them in their efforts to reclaim England.
Godwin's later life is less documented, but it is suggested that he may have moved east to Ruthenia. His sister Gytha married Vladimir Monomakh, Prince of Smolensk and Novgorod. Godwin's death circumstances and burial place are not detailed in the sources, and there is no record of his succession.
Notable events
- mid- to late 1040sBorn to Harold Godwinson and Edith Swan-neck.
- 1066Exiled to Dublin following the Norman conquest of England.
- 1067Led a raid from Dublin to south-western England with little success.
- 1068Participated in another raid from Dublin, attacking the Bristol Channel area.
- 1069Launched a raid from Dublin targeting Exeter and parts of Devon.
- 1069Fled to Flanders with family after failed raids.
- 1070Traveled to Denmark seeking support from King Swein Estrithson.
- 1074 or 1075Sister Gytha married Vladimir Monomakh, Prince of Smolensk and Novgorod.
- late 1060sPossibly moved east to Ruthenia seeking refuge.
- 1069Final known activities include fleeing to Flanders and Denmark.
Other details
Death: Died in 1069; circumstances and burial place unknown.
Children: 0
Parents: Harold Godwinson, Edith Swan-neck