c. 1032 – 14 October 1066
House: Godwinson
Titles: Earl of East Anglia, Earl of Cambridgeshire, Earl of Oxfordshire
Gyrth Godwinson was the fourth son of Earl Godwin and a younger brother of Harold Godwinson. His early life included a brief period of exile to Flanders with his eldest brother Sweyn in 1051, though he returned the following year. Gyrth was present at his father’s death-bed along with his brothers Harold and Tostig.
After his father’s death in April 1053, Gyrth, along with his siblings, maintained their influence in England. He was appointed Earl of East Anglia, Cambridgeshire, and Oxfordshire between 1055 and 1057, extending the Godwinsons’ control over East England. Gyrth attempted to dissuade his brother Harold from fighting William of Normandy at the Battle of Hastings but was ultimately killed in the conflict on 14 October 1066.
Death: Died at the age of approximately 34 during the Battle of Hastings.
Children: 0
Parents: Son of Earl Godwin.