Gytha Thorkelsdóttir
c. 997 – c. 1069
House: Wessex
Gytha Thorkelsdóttir, also known as Githa, was a Danish noblewoman born around 997. She was the daughter of the Danish chieftain Thorgil Sprakling and sister to the Danish Earl Ulf Thorgilsson. Gytha married Godwin, Earl of Wessex, and became the mother of several children, including King Harold Godwinson and Edith of Wessex, who was the queen consort of King Edward the Confessor.
Her sons Harold and Tostig faced each other at the Battle of Stamford Bridge, where Tostig was killed. Later, her sons Harold, Gyrth, and Leofwine died at the Battle of Hastings against William the Conqueror's forces. After the conquest, Gytha unsuccessfully pleaded for the return of King Harold's body and later lived in Exeter, possibly instigating a rebellion against William in 1067.
Gytha died around 1069, with no specific burial place recorded. Her daughter Edith remained a figure of some influence as the widow of King Edward the Confessor.
Notable events
- c. 997Born to Thorgil Sprakling, a Danish chieftain.
- Early 11th centuryMarried Godwin, Earl of Wessex.
- c. 1016Her brother Ulf Thorgilsson married Estrid Svendsdatter, sister of King Cnut the Great.
- 1045Her daughter Edith married King Edward the Confessor.
- 1066Her sons Harold and Tostig fought at the Battle of Stamford Bridge; Tostig was killed.
- October 14, 1066Her sons Harold, Gyrth, and Leofwine died at the Battle of Hastings.
- 1066Pleaded with William the Conqueror for the return of King Harold's body.
- 1067Lived in Exeter, possibly causing a rebellion against William the Conqueror.
- Post-1067Left England after the Norman conquest with other Anglo-Saxon families.
- c. 1069Died, possibly in Scandinavia where she had relatives.
Other details
Death: Died around 1069, likely in her early seventies, with no specific burial place recorded.
Children: 7
Marriages: Godwin, Earl of Wessex
Parents: Thorgil Sprakling,